dward Lee Vargas, who will be Kent’s new superintendent later this year, talks Tuesday with school board members Sandy Collins, Chris Davies and Debbie Straus before the start of a community budget forum at Kent-Meridian High School. - Charles Cortes/Reporter
Charles Cortes/Reporter
dward Lee Vargas, who will be Kent’s new superintendent later this year, talks Tuesday with school board members Sandy Collins, Chris Davies and Debbie Straus before the start of a community budget forum at Kent-Meridian High School.

Vargas offered top Kent Schools position

By BRIAN BECKLEY
Kent Reporter General assignment reporter
February 27, 2009 · 2:47 PM

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The Kent School Board Wednesday officially and unanimously appointed Dr. Edward Lee Vargas as Kent’s next superintendent.

The district on Monday announced the board had narrowed its focus to Vargas, but the vote at the top of the Feb. 25 board meeting sealed the deal.

Vargas, 56, is the 2006 California Superintendent of the Year from his time at the head of the Hacienda La Puenta School District outside Los Angeles.

He is presently the superintendent in residence/executive advisor of Davis Innovations, Inc. and Superintendent in Residence of the Stupski Foundation.

In 2006, Vargas was named California Superintendent of the Year and has prior local experience with the Seattle School District.

Vargas was selected over Dr. Tim Mills of Colorado. Board members said they were pleased with Mills but felt Vargas’ experience with issues of diversity made him a better fit for Kent.

Vargas will take over for Dr. Barbara Grohe, who is retiring at the end of this school year after 10 years with the district.

Contact Kent Reporter General assignment reporter Brian Beckley at bbeckley@kentreporter.com or 253-872-6600, ext. 5054.

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