Benjamin “Ben” Shuldiner is the Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools. He most recently served as Superintendent of the Lansing School District in Michigan from 2021 through January 2026.

During his tenure in Lansing, Ben led the district through a period of measurable academic, operational, and financial improvement. Under his leadership, the district achieved significant gains in graduation rates (+26 percent) and attendance (+13 percent), and realized a net increase in student enrollment for the first time in decades. He also strengthened the district’s fiscal position through increasing the fund balance by more than $40 million and establishing a new investment fund to generate ongoing revenue.

Prior to his role in Lansing, Ben held several prominent system and policy level leadership roles. He served as a Dean’s Fellow and Distinguished Lecturer in Education Leadership at Hunter College, City University of New York, where he directed all School and District Leadership programs. In 2015, he was appointed to the New York City Board of Education, the largest school system in the nation, serving more than one million students.

In 2016 and 2017, Ben was elected President of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the nation’s largest professional education organization, representing more than 125,000 education leaders and practitioners across 138 countries and 52 affiliate organizations.

Earlier in his career, Ben served as the founding principal of the High School for Public Service in Brooklyn, New York. Under his leadership, the school was named one of the top 50 high schools in New York City by the Daily News and received a Bronze Medal from U.S. News & World Report.

Ben has also consulted nationally and internationally to support school systems in strengthening leadership and improving student outcomes, including partnerships with the BI Norwegian Business School BI in Norway and education systems in Bangalore and Coimbatore, India.

Ben comes from a family of educators and education leaders. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history and science from Harvard College, where he graduated magna cum laude, and a Master of Science in Education from Baruch College.

Ben looks forward to immersing himself in Seattle and partnering with students, families, staff, and community members to make Seattle Public Schools the nation’s single best urban school system.

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

Christopher Carter serves as the Executive Director of Schools for High Schools in Seattle Public Schools (SPS). In this role, he partners with high school leaders to strengthen instructional excellence, expand opportunities for students, and advance equitable outcomes across the district. He also oversees district athletics—supporting programs that provide students with meaningful opportunities for connection, achievement, and personal growth as part of a well-rounded high school experience.

With more than 30 years of experience in public education, Mr. Carter has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and executive district leader. Since beginning his career in 1995, he has remained committed to expanding opportunities for students and ensuring equitable access to high-quality learning experiences for every child.

Prior to joining district leadership, Mr. Carter served as a principal in SPS, leading schools that earned multiple Washington State Achievement Awards and School of Distinction recognitions for student achievement, growth, and closing opportunity gaps. In 2018, he was honored as the Thomas B. Foster Principal of the Year, recognizing his commitment to equity-driven leadership and student success.

Mr. Carter earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington, a master’s degree in teaching from City University, and Principal Certification from Western Washington University.

Schools supported:

• Ballard
• Cleveland STEM
• Franklin
• Garfield
• Nathan Hale
• Ingraham
• Lincoln
• Rainier Beach
• Roosevelt
• Chief Sealth International
• West Seattle

Jessica Conte is honored to serve the students, families, educators, and leaders of Seattle Public Schools (SPS) as the Executive Director of Elementary Schools. She is passionate about partnering with schools to strengthen instructional leadership, foster inclusive school communities, and ensure every student has access to high-quality, equitable learning experiences.

Dr. Conte began her career in education as a classroom and special education teacher, assistant principal, elementary principal, and principal leadership coach. Throughout her career, she has led school improvement efforts focused on instructional excellence, equity, multilingual education, and building systems that support both students and educators. Prior to her current role, she coached elementary principals across SPS, supporting school leaders in strategic planning, instructional leadership, and continuous improvement.

Dr. Conte believes that excellent schools are built through collaborative leadership, meaningful relationships, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. She is dedicated to creating the conditions that support educators, leaders, and school communities so every student experiences rigorous, joyful learning and a strong sense of belonging.

Dr. Conte earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Portland, her master’s degree from Walden University, and her doctorate from Seattle University. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and is completing her superintendent certification through Seattle Pacific University.

Schools supported:

Dual Language schools

• Beacon Hill International
• Dearborn Park International
• Concord International
• John Stanford International
• McDonald International

Elementary

• Graham Hill
• Coe
• Bryant
• James Baldwin
• Arbor Heights
• Emerson
• Leschi
• Olympic Hills
• Whittier
• Gatewood
• Martin Luther King Jr.
• Madrona
• North Beach
• Sand Point
• Laurelhurst
• Roxhill

Dr. Rena Deese serves as an Executive Director of Elementary Schools for Seattle Public Schools (SPS). Having spent her entire educational career in SPS, she brings the perspective of someone who has served students and families from the classroom to district leadership.

Before becoming an Executive Director, Dr. Deese coached principals, assistant principals, and aspiring school leaders as a Principal Leadership Coach, helping strengthen instructional leadership and support schools across the district.

Dr. Deese began her leadership journey as an administrative intern and head teacher after several years as a classroom teacher. She previously served as principal of Graham Hill Elementary and Alki Elementary. Those experiences continue to shape her belief that strong schools are built through strong relationships, excellent instruction, and leaders who never stop learning.

In addition to her work with SPS, Dr. Deese teaches future principals in the University of Washington’s Danforth Educational Leadership Program. She earned her Doctorate in Leadership for Learning and Superintendent Certification from the University of Washington and is a National Board Certified Teacher. She is also the recipient of the John W. Morefield Mentoring Award and the Thomas B. Foster Leadership Award, recognizing her commitment to developing others and leading with integrity.

Schools Supported:

Highly Capable Cohort Schools

• Thurgood Marshall
• Decatur
• Cascadia
• Rainier View
• Alki

Elementary

• Dunlap
• McGilvra
• Green Lake
• Greenwood
• Genesee Hill
• Hawthorne
• John Muir
• Lawton
• John Rogers
• Sacajawea
• Lafayette
• Lowell
• Loyal Heights
• Wedgwood
• Bagley
• West Seattle

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.

Justin Hendrickson serves as Executive Director of K-8 Schools for Seattle Public Schools (SPS). He is a proud Seattle educator who has served students and families in the district for more than 20 years, having spent 17 years in the K-8 model, including Madrona Elementary (when it was a K-8 school) and South Shore PreK-8.

During his career, Mr. Hendrickson has served as an instructional assistant, teacher, instructional coach, principal, and most recently as a principal coach, bringing a deep understanding of teaching, learning, and school leadership. As a principal, he has been passionate about building strong community partnerships and authentic inclusion for students receiving Special Education services. This includes converting Preschool classrooms to city partnered Seattle Preschool Plus classrooms and ensuring that accelerated math was open to all students in middle school. He also co-authored a book in 2021, “Race Resilience: Achieving Equity Through Self and Systems Transformation,” that spoke to his leadership at South Shore.

As Executive Director of K–8 Schools, Justin partners with principals to strengthen instructional leadership, improve student outcomes, and foster equitable, joyful learning environments where every student feels a sense of belonging and can thrive. He is passionate about developing leaders, supporting educators, and building authentic relationships and strong partnerships with families and communities.

He is a proud alum of the University of Washington where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, and Seattle University where he earned a master’s in teaching as well as his principal certification.

School supported:

All K-8 Schools

• Broadview-Thomson
• Catharine Blaine
• Hazel Wolf
• Licton Springs
• Louisa Boren STEM
• Orca
• Pathfinder
• Salmon Bay
• South Shore
• TOPS

Middle School

• Meany

Lynn Herink serves as the Executive Director of Alternative and Nontraditional Schools for Seattle Public Schools (SPS). She is an experienced educational leader who is deeply committed to ensuring every student has access to a high-quality, transformative education.

Before joining SPS, Ms. Herink served as principal of the Truman Campus in Federal Way Public Schools, where she led three distinct alternative schools located on one campus: a big picture learning high school; a re-engagement high school; and a K–12 online alternative learning experience. In these roles, she led the development of competency-based learning systems, expanded inclusive online programming, strengthened math and literacy instruction, and implemented collaborative, data-informed improvement processes. Under her leadership, the re-engagement high school received the Washington State School of Recognition Award for closing academic achievement gaps by race.

Ms. Herink’s previous leadership experience includes serving as assistant principal at Federal Way High School, where she championed racial equity, instructional improvement, and positive school culture. Earlier in her career, she launched Highline Public Schools’ first high school Spanish Dual Language Program, coached teachers in multilingual instructional practices, and served as a mentor for teachers working towards National Board Certification. These experiences continue to shape Ms. Herink’s belief that meaningful relationships, innovative learning models, and culturally responsive leadership are essential to student success.

Ms. Herink earned her master’s degree in Secondary Education and Residency Principal Certificate from Western Washington University and her bachelor’s degrees in English and Psychology from Seattle University. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and has served as a trainer in OCDE Project GLAD® and Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP), supporting educators in delivering high-quality instruction for multilingual learners.

Schools supported:

• Alan T. Sugiyama
• BRIDGES
• Cascade Parent Partnership
• Cascade Virtual Option K-12
• Middle College
• Nova
• Seattle World School
• Skills Center
• The Center School
• Interagency Campuses

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.