Schools chief to retire

Grohe’s term ends in 2009

Kent School District Superintendent Barbara Grohe last week announced her upcoming retirement, which will be effective June 2009.

Grohe, who will have been Kent’s superintendent for 10 years when she leaves the district, sent out an e-mail April 23 alerting district staff of her decision, prior to the Kent School Board meeting last week.

“This early notification will give the board more time to begin the process of selecting a new superintendent with the goal of having that person in place by July 1, 2009,” Grohe said in the e-mail. “I know there will be many fine candidates for this position. The district has a wonderful reputation for quality education and innovative programs.”

Grohe was not immediately available for comment.

Bill Boyce, school board president, said this isn’t the first he’s heard of the news.

“We weren’t taken too much by surprise,” he said. “She’s been with us 10 good years, which is a lot longer than most superintendents usually stay with districts.”

Boyce said board members are thankful for the early notice, as they now have plenty of time to find a replacement. They’ll begin the search immediately.

“This is going to be a national search,” Boyce said. “The first thing we’ll address is finding a search firm, an agency to help us. We’ll be doing that within the next three to six weeks.”

After securing help, Boyce said the school board will provide district staff and the community ample opportunity to voice their input on what they want to see in the next leader of Kent schools. Once that data is gathered, they’ll start interviewing candidates.

The board must secure a replacement by July 1, 2009, but Boyce said they hope to complete the process by early 2009.

“It would be nice if we could have someone selected by the first of the year, so we can have a solid transition period,” he said. “We’re just very thankful to her for giving us enough time to make sure we do this right.”

Grohe will be missed, he said, but she will leave the district a better place than when she found it. The school-board president listed the additions of two technology academies, Kent Phoenix Academy and the implementation of the One-to-One computer program at Mill Creek Middle School as just a few of the successes the superintendent oversaw.

“Barbara has done a lot of great things for Kent during her time here, so we’re definitely going to miss her,” Boyce said. “But she’s had a very good, successful 10 years.”

Grohe’s e-mail to district staff was upbeat and thankful, emphasizing the need for continued commitment during the remainder of her time as superintendent.

“Through all of the wonderful times, and the difficult times, you have kept the needs for our children foremost in the decision process,” she wrote to district staff. “You have my deep gratitude for that dedication. As we complete the next 14 months together, I will continue to call upon you to share your talents and expertise as the district transitions to a new leadership team.”

Grohe has helmed Kent schools since July 1999. Before coming to Kent, she served as superintendent of Iowa City Community School District in Iowa and as superintendent of Shorewood Schools in Wisconsin. Her previous educational experience includes positions as assistant superintendent, Right to Read director, reading consultant and elementary teacher.

Grohe was named National Superintendent of the Year in 1998, an award annually given by the American Association of School Administrators to a superintendent who has demonstrated all-around outstanding leadership.

Grohe received her doctorate in urban education from the University of Wisconsin, her master’s degree in education from Ohio University and her bachelor’s degree in education from Clarion State College. She has certifications in district administration, supervision, elementary school principalship and teaching. She also has a K-12 Spanish certification from University of Valladolid in Spain.

Contact Daniel Mooney at 253-437-6012 or dmooney@reporternewspapers.com.