Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Superintendent Appointment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Seattle school board designates Fred Podesta acting superintendent through Sept. 3, 2025
Summary
The Seattle School Board unanimously voted to name Chief Operating Officer Fred Podesta as acting superintendent after Superintendent Dr. Jones announced a resignation effective Sept. 3, 2025 and will remain on medical leave through that date.
The Seattle School Board unanimously designated Fred Podesta to serve as acting superintendent of Seattle Public Schools through Sept. 3, 2025. The board voted to authorize Podesta to “carry out those powers and duties as prescribed by law and policy for the district’s superintendent.”
The action came after the board confirmed that Superintendent Dr. Jones resigned effective Sept. 3, 2025 and will remain on medical leave through his final day. Board members said the designation is intended to provide stability and clarity for staff, families and the community as the district enters transitions and continues the superintendent search.
Board President Toph introduced the item and said the appointment would allow district leadership to prepare for a smooth start to the 2025–26 school year. The board’s formal motion named Podesta and set the end date for his acting role as Sept. 3, 2025. The motion passed on a roll-call vote with all members recorded as “aye.”
Director Rankin described the designation as important for clarity, saying, “it's just really important that we specifically designate and authorize, mister Podesta for clarity for our community and also for, support of staff.” The board expressed support for Dr. Jones’s decision to prioritize his health and extended gratitude for his service.
The board also noted that the superintendent search process will continue as planned and that the designation is a temporary governance measure. No additional personnel actions or changes to the search timeline were specified during the meeting.
The board adjourned after completing the item; no implementation tasks, reporting dates, or follow-up assignments were identified in the public remarks during the meeting.
