Issaquah School District introduces new principals, finance and operations leaders
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Summary
The Issaquah School District on June 24 introduced a slate of new school and central-office administrators, including a new assistant superintendent, principals and finance and IT leaders who will take roles across the district this summer.
Issaquah School District leaders introduced a group of new administrators at the June 24 board meeting, including hires for high school and elementary school leadership, district finance and operations, and information-technology infrastructure.
The district welcomed Peter Smith as an administrator at Issaquah High School. Sherry Cox, executive director of secondary education, said Smith "brings a rich background in leadership and student-centered learning" after more than 20 years in international and domestic education. Smith told the board: "I am really excited to be here… I'm excited to start that work tomorrow with Erin and the team over at the high school."
Melinda Ryan Van, executive director of elementary education, introduced three elementary-site leaders. Valerie Lee will be principal of Challenger Elementary after more than two decades in education, including nine years as an assistant principal and early-childhood administration roles and 11 years in early-childhood special education. Michelle Moon was introduced as assistant principal at Briarwood Elementary; administrators noted her 18 years in education and 14-year tenure in Issaquah. Cammie (Cami) Cybilski was named principal at Sunny Hills Elementary; presenters highlighted her long service to that school as teacher, dean of students and assistant principal.
The board also heard hires in finance, procurement and technology. Mariah Banasic, executive director of finance and budget, introduced Kurt Holmes as the district controller; Holmes said he is an Issaquah School District graduate and is "very excited to return to the community I grew up in." Kathy Katterhagen (director of purchasing and contract management) joins the business office with more than 20 years of procurement experience. Martin Turney, chief of finance and operations, introduced Greg Jacobs as director of IT infrastructure; Jacobs said he is “looking forward to coming back home” after leading IT in the health-care sector.
Superintendent Heather (surname not specified in the record) introduced Jacqueline Downey as assistant superintendent overseeing academics; the superintendent and Downey noted Downey grew up in Issaquah and most recently led secondary schools in another district. Downey said she was "thrilled to be joining the Issaquah School District" and cited the district's strategic focus on academic opportunity and student well-being.
The introductions included brief remarks from the new hires thanking the board and community. District leaders said most appointees begin work immediately or over the summer as the district prepares for the 2025–26 school year.
The board did not take formal personnel-action votes during the introductions; the meeting item was an opportunity to announce hires and welcome the new staff.
