First-year school superintendents reflect on pandemic

Kera Wanielista, Skagit Valley Herald, Mount Vernon, Wash.

Mar. 14—For three Skagit County school superintendents, the past year has been a first not only in terms of dealing with a global pandemic, but doing so while in their first year on the job.

The Anacortes School Board announced Feb. 28, 2020, that Justin Irish would be the new superintendent of the school district. On March 5, the Mount Vernon School Board chose Ismael Vivanco to lead its district.

Days later, Gov. Jay Inslee announced the mandatory closure of schools throughout the state.