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Northshore board votes 5-0 to offer superintendent job to Dr. Justin Irish
Summary
The Northshore School District Board of Directors voted unanimously at a special meeting to present an offer to Dr. Justin Irish for superintendent, setting a July 1 start date and directing staff to begin contract negotiations.
The Northshore School District Board of Directors voted unanimously at a special meeting to present an offer to Dr. Justin Irish for the position of superintendent, the board said following an executive session. The board set a July 1 start date and said contract negotiations with Dr. Irish will follow.
Amy Cast, president of the Northshore School District board, said the meeting moved into executive session to "evaluate the qualifications of an employee" before returning to consider an offer. The board made a motion to present an offer to Dr. Justin Irish; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote, 5 to 0.
The action matters because the superintendent directs districtwide academic and operational priorities. Board members described a competitive search: 32 applicants were considered, the pool was narrowed to six and then three finalists, and the board cited substantial community input during the process.
Board members said community engagement informed the decision. The board noted roughly 800 responses to surveys and attendance at candidate town halls as part of the public input the board considered in selecting a finalist. Directors praised Dr. Irish's instructional and operational experience, his attention to community and student voice, and his stated focus on removing barriers for students who have been historically marginalized.
"He believes in every child," Amy Cast said in the meeting, adding that Dr. Irish emphasized removing barriers and creating the right conditions for staff so students can succeed.
The board's formal vote was taken by voice, starting with Director Sandy Hayes. The motion carried 5 to 0 (yes votes: Amy Cast, president; Sandy Hayes, director; Han Tran, director; Jacqueline McGourty, director; Elizabeth Sotak, vice president). The board said it will communicate with Dr. Irish about contract details and next steps.
Current Superintendent Michael Tolley will remain through the transition period; the board described the July 1 start date as providing roughly six weeks for a handoff. The board adjourned after confirming the vote and next steps.
The board did not publish the terms of the proposed contract at the meeting. Further public updates and any formal contract approvals will be announced by the district as negotiations conclude.
