Seattle Public Schools

Theodore (Ted) joined the Seattle Public Schools leadership team after a two-year central office position in the Tukwila School District. In 2020-22, he served as the chief academic officer. His work experience has been widespread in many roles as an educator. He initially began his employment as an instructional assistant and home school coordinator. He continued his educational career as a teacher, head teacher, high school assistant principal, principal, and president of the Principal Association in the Seattle Schools (PASS).

Born and raised in Seattle, Ted Howard has been a dedicated educator for over 25 years. He received his executive leadership - superintendent certification from City University in 2022. His passion is ensuring all students have the necessary skills to succeed in any goal they set for themselves. This is why he ensured he could teach all kids before entering leadership roles.

Mr. Howard served 16-plus years as principal of Garfield High School. During his tenure, Garfield was recognized for two consecutive years as a School of Distinction. The school received this distinguished honor from the State of Washington for School Improvement. Additionally, Garfield was named one of the top high schools in the United States for over ten years. During his leadership, Garfield won district and state championships in many of their sports and activity programs for both girls and boys. More specifically, Garfield has won the Golden Apple Award as a school demonstrating academic excellence at all levels. Mr. Howard was recognized with the Thomas B Foster Award for Principal Excellence and named the King- Co -4A League Distinguished Principal of the Year. As a result, the governor appointed him to the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board.

Ted has been married to his wife Lee for over 28 years, and they have two children. Their focus has been on education and opening doors for our kids, and they are devoted to a vigorous faith walk.

Mr. Howard Oversees

• Assuring the implementation of procedures associated with policies approved by the School Board and Superintendent Jones
• Performance measures
• Monitoring of district, departmental, and school-based administrative and instructional programs.
• Community and School Partnerships
• Monitoring data tied explicitly to student achievement and school improvement planning
• Ensures district practices comply with board, state, and federal policies

Personal Statement

“I am thrilled daily to be in the education field. This is my passion in life.  Because of my dedication to the students and families of the Seattle Public School District, I am returning to be a part of the Leadership team and to learn and lead in an inclusive environment.

"Overall, my most significant accomplishment outside of my family is a career in education serving kids and families. I cherish having the opportunity to come to work every day and work in an environment where we strive to develop and empower students to reach their goals amidst all the adversity and challenges we face as educators. It is truly an honor to collaborate and serve the Seattle community again.

After serving for one year as part of the Superintendent’s Cabinet in Seattle Public Schools, I am more committed to creating a vision of equitable and differentiated education for students, families, and staff. In new role as the chief accountability officer, I am honored to serve the Seattle Public Schools students, families, and staff.

My key focus is:

• To empower everyone to develop their greatness and serve at their highest capacity while focusing on the vision of goals and guardrails of the Seattle Public Schools.
• To support and provide direction and protection. Training and implementing the principal dashboard to share the site implementation and school improvement results.
• To walk alongside leaders and model respectful dialogue about the learning process with students and adults.
• To embrace the community and different cultures with enthusiasm using focus groups and a myriad of input tools that help guide and measure our progress with our stakeholders

We will develop partnerships and relationships with internal stakeholders to support student achievement based on the Seattle Public School goals and guardrails. Our organization will succeed based on the quality of our relationship with the community.

Mr. Del Valle Oversees

Department of Technology Services (DoTS)

Technology plays a critical role in Seattle Public Schools for all members of our community--students, families, staff, and the public. Key functions include:

Technology Resources. Ensure the organization's technology resources are utilized effectively and efficiently, in alignment with the district's strategic goals. By managing these resources, we maximize their impact on student learning and overall operational efficiency. Furthermore, overseeing the operational aspects of daily digital and network assets, guaranteeing uninterrupted availability for students, staff, and families.

Enterprise Project Management (EPMO). Effective management and support for the district's initiatives and programs, utilizing program management best practices to align business and technology resources proficiently with the district's academic goals.

Data Privacy, and Cybersecurity. Prioritize the organization's data privacy and cybersecurity operations, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. Implement proper security measures to safeguard the organization's systems and data, protecting against potential threats.

Promoting Innovation. Actively seeking opportunities for innovative solutions and collaborating with educators, students, and staff to implement these solutions. By driving business growth and improving academic outcomes, we envision a future where technologies like Digital learning resources and Digital Transformation systems can enhance the classroom experience (i.e. Classroom of the Future, AI, Business ERP).

Personal Statement

My vision encompasses the creation of a thriving educational ecosystem, empowering every student within the district to unleash their full potential. This objective is attainable through the strategic alignment of operational excellence and cutting-edge technology with our academic pursuits.

Our aim is to optimize resource allocation, effectively bolstering the learning experience in the classroom and igniting a sense of personal achievement among students.

Having been born in Los Angeles, California and raised in San Jose, Costa Rica, my journey has been marked by diverse experiences.

At the age of 18, I boarded on my service journey by enlisting in the U.S. Army. Following my military service, I embarked on a career in information technology, contributing my expertise to renowned technology giants like Computer Science Corporation and Unisys.

In 2002, I transitioned to the U.S. Air Force civil service, where my responsibilities encompassed business re-engineering, strategic planning, acquisition, and the implementation of forward-looking technologies.

My final role within this domain saw me leading technological initiatives supporting the nation's vital military Space operations under the auspices of US STRATCOM.

My professional trajectory culminated in my retirement from civil service in 2019, after which I undertook the role of chief information officer within the Seattle Public School district. In this capacity, I am fervently dedicated to advancing digital equity and propelling academic as well as operational success through the strategic deployment of technology.

My educational background further fortifies my capabilities, with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems underscoring my commitment to excellence.

With more than 25 years of educational leadership experience, Dr. Kurt Buttleman has a breadth and depth of experience ranging from leading large public educational institutions through challenging budget balancing to making sweeping changes and enhancements to business operating systems.

He has a background in strategic planning, business, and financial operations and worked in partnership with Seattle Schools for many years prior to joining SPS as assistant superintendent of finance.

He has earned a Bachelor of Science in finance degree from the University of Illinois, a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Washington, and a Doctor of Education Administration degree from North Carolina State University. Kurt enjoys spending time with family, running, playing golf, basketball, softball, and pickleball, and photography.

Dr. Buttleman Oversees

• Accounting
• Budget
• Payroll
• Procurement
• Warehouse Operations

Personal Statement

"I am humbled and honored to serve as the assistant superintendent - finance at this dynamic time and am committed to ensuring the public and private resources entrusted to the Seattle Public Schools are effectively utilized to ensure students furthest away from educational justice have the opportunity to thrive.

"I have dedicated my career to making a difference in the Seattle community through my work in enabling educational opportunities for those most in need and I am passionate about doing all that I can to help the district achieve its objective of ensuring that every child, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, language proficiency, learning style or disability, achieves to their highest level.

"I wholeheartedly believe that 'Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.' – Nelson Mandela

With a distinguished career spanning diverse roles, Dr. Pritchett currently serves as the assistant superintendent of human resources, previous assistant deputy superintendent, and the director of secondary schools. Her formidable presence was also felt as the central region director of schools for an impressive eight years. Her leadership extended to hands-on roles such as the principal of McClure Middle School, assistant principal of Rose Hill Junior High, and house administrator at Mercer Middle School. She's also contributed significantly as a classroom teacher and instructional assistant at Sharples Alternative School.

Dr. Pritchett holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Washington State University, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration with administrative certification from Western Washington University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership complemented by superintendent certification from the esteemed University of Washington.

Assistant Superintendent Pritchett Oversees

Human Resources

Human Resources (HR) plays a critical role in Seattle Public Schools by managing various aspects of personnel, policies, and employee relations. Some key functions of HR in include:

Recruitment and Hiring: HR is responsible for advertising job openings, screening applications, conducting interviews, and selecting the best candidates to fill teaching, administrative, and support staff positions within the district. They ensure that the district hires qualified individuals who align with the educational goals and values of the district.

Onboarding and Orientation: HR facilitates the onboarding process for new employees, providing them with information about district policies, procedures, benefits, and expectations. This helps new staff members integrate into the school district smoothly.

Employee Benefits and Compensation:  HR manages employee benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and leave policies. They also oversee salary administration and ensure that compensation packages are competitive and fair.

Training and Professional Development: HR organizes training sessions, workshops, and professional development opportunities for district staff to enhance their skills, stay updated with educational trends, and improve their performance.

Performance Management: HR collaborates with school administrators to establish performance evaluation systems and processes for all staff members. They ensure that evaluations are conducted fairly, feedback is provided, and improvement plans are implemented as necessary.

Employee Relations: HR acts as a mediator in resolving conflicts and disputes between employees or between employees and management. They work to create a positive and inclusive work environment that fosters teamwork and collaboration.

Compliance with Regulations: HR ensures that the district complies with federal, state, and local labor laws, as well as education regulations. This includes managing records, maintaining required certifications, and adhering to anti-discrimination and equal opportunity laws.

Policy Development and Implementation:  HR assists in the development and dissemination of district policies and procedures, ensuring that they are up-to-date, aligned with legal requirements, and effectively communicated to staff.

Retention Strategies: HR works to implement strategies that promote staff retention, job satisfaction, and overall employee well-being. This may involve recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance, providing opportunities for advancement, and addressing employee concerns.

Data Management and Reporting: HR maintains accurate records of employee data, including personal information, certifications, training, and performance evaluations. They may also generate reports related to staffing trends, turnover rates, and compliance.

Budgeting and Resource Allocation: HR collaborates with district leadership to manage the budget allocated for staffing and HR-related initiatives, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to meet the district's educational goals.

Personal Statement

Dr. Sarah Pritchett commitment to educational excellence is deeply rooted in her own experiences as a proud graduate of Seattle Public Schools, Franklin High School, where she embarked on her transformative educational journey.

Since 1993, Dr. Pritchett has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the betterment of students and families within the Seattle Public Schools. Dr. Pritchett's academic journey mirrors her commitment to continuous growth and improvement. Making Seattle Public Schools the best learning environment for our students and the best school district in this state drives her dedication to this district. Though briefly stepping outside the district to serve as an assistant principal in the Lake Washington School District, her heart remained firmly aligned with her mission in Seattle. Her profound impact is exemplified by the myriad of roles she has held, each contributing to the district's growth and advancement.

As a senior leader within Seattle Public Schools' central office, Dr. Pritchett has consistently demonstrated her prowess in orchestrating seamless coordination and prioritization of strategic initiatives across both operational and teaching and learning departments. Her multifaceted roles, coupled with her resolute dedication to student success and equitable education, have laid the foundation for a brighter future for all students.

Fred Podesta has devoted his career to public service by working more than 37 years as an employee and consultant to local and state government agencies in a variety of operations leadership roles overseeing infrastructure, finance, technology, customer service, and regulatory functions.

More than 25 of those years were spent with the City of Seattle, and offered Mr. Podesta a great opportunity to learn about our community and the contributions of Seattle Public Schools. Mr. Podesta is a proud graduate of the University of Washington.

Chief Podesta Oversees

• Admissions/Enrollment Services
• Business and Finance
• Capital Projects and Planning
• Culinary Services
• Enrollment Planning/Forecasting
• Facility Operations
• Information Technology and Optimization
• Safety and Security
• School Operations
• Transportation

Personal Statement

"Public education represents the best of our civic life. No other local institution is better positioned than Seattle Public Schools to foster an equitable community, enrich our neighborhoods, and establish our future. The positive impact of high-quality instruction in a welcoming and safe environment is profound.

"For our schools to deliver on their promise, the district must be a high-performing organization that supports students, families, educators, and school leaders with effective operations, visionary planning, sound financial management, and empowering tools. My mission as chief operations officer is to lead teams that provide that support."