Bainbridge Island School Superintendent Bang-Knudsen resigns
Bainbridge Island School District Superintendent Peter Bang-Knudsen is resigning from his post, forcing the district to make a change in leadership heading into 2024.
Bainbridge's school board on Friday appointed Amii Thompson as replacement for Bang-Knudsen, who is taking medical leave for the remainder of the 2023-24 school year. His resignation will go into effect June 30.
"This has been a very difficult decision, and I came to this conclusion by balancing my long-term well-bein with the needs of our district to have strong, stable leadership at this time when there is extensive, important, and difficult work to be done," Bang-Knudsen said in a statement released by the district. "It has been my great honor to serve as the Bainbridge Island School District's superintendent for the past eight years. I am thankful for our impressive administrative team, skilled educators, and the dedicated staff that work every day to honor and nurture the unique skills, talents, and passions of every student."
Thompson, who has been the district's assistant superintendent, will serve as acting superintendent through the end of the 2024-25 school year. Bainbridge's school board expects to begin the hiring process for a permanent superintendent toward the end of 2024. Other more pressing matters exist as the district looks to close/consolidate schools in an effort to trim the 2024-25 budget and battle declining enrollment. The board anticipates voting on a final decision regarding possible closures in March.
Thompson has worked within the district for more than 20 years. She's held various positions, including elementary executive director of teaching and learning, principal at x̌alilc Elementary, associate principal at Sakai Intermediate school and first/second-grade teacher.
“I believe strongly in cultivating relationships by being present, listening and earning trust,” Thompson said. “Once school resumes in January, I plan to hit the ground running and will visit schools, staff and the meetings of multiple stakeholder groups. I want to ensure that all voices have a seat at the table, in particular those who have historically been marginalized or missing from the conversation. I look forward to getting to know the BISD community in a deeper and more meaningful way.”
This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Bainbridge Island School Superintendent Bang-Knudsen resigns
