News Release
Everett Public Schools
March 5, 2009
For more information:
Mary Waggoner, 425-385-4049
Dr. Gary Cohn to be Everett Public Schools Superintendent
At a special meeting on Thursday, Everett Public Schools Board of Directors voted to offer the
current superintendent of Port Angeles School District, Dr. Gary Cohn, the position of school
superintendent for the district. Board President Sue Cooper called Dr. Cohn after the meeting to
officially make the job offer on behalf of the board. Dr. Cohn accepted the offer and added, "I am
honored to be selected, excited by the challenges of working in a continually improving district,
very much looking forward to meeting people in Everett, working with another competent school
board and joining a great team of educators."
Dr. Cohn has been the superintendent of the Port Angeles School District since September 2001.
His background in the field of education includes serving as vice president at Lake Washington
Technical College, where he also served as interim president. Dr. Cohn taught marketing and
business education for the Northshore School District and served in instructional leadership
positions in the Lake Washington School District, where he founded a technical high school. He also taught undergraduate
business communication for Eastern Washington University. Prior to becoming a teacher, Dr. Cohn worked in marketing for an
international computer manufacturer.
Dr. Cohn completed a doctor of philosophy degree in education at the University of Washington. He earned a master of
business administration degree from Seattle University and a bachelor's degree with majors in economics and business
administration from the University of Puget Sound.
In their comments about Dr. Cohn, board members referred frequently to the leadership criteria they used to measure
candidates. "There is not a point on this list that he misses," noted Cooper. "His experiences and expertise encompass every
requirement the community helped us develop."
One requirement was a
commitment to being an active participant in the community on behalf of Everett Public Schools.
While
in Kirkland, Dr. Cohn served as president of the Kirkland Chamber of Commerce and the Eastside Leadership Institute. Since
joining the Port Angeles School District, Dr Cohn has been focusing his energy on implementing the district's strategic plan
and reinvention efforts, and taking an active role in the community. He has served on the boards of United Way of Clallam
County, the Community Multicultural Alliance, Clallam Business Incubator, Peninsula Development Association, Lincoln
Center Association, Haller Foundation, K. O. Erickson Trust and the Port Angeles Education Foundation. Dr. Cohn also serves
on the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board at the appointment of Governor Gregoire. Gary and his wife Sue
served as 2008 Campaign Chairs for the United Way.
His leisure activities have included golf, water skiing, boating, running, movies and reading. Sue Cohn is a retired high school
principal, and is currently working on school and district improvement with the state Superintendent of Public Instruction. Sue
holds doctorate, master's and bachelor's degrees from the University of Washington.
Before voting to select Dr. Cohn, board member Karen Madsen thanked staff "...for making this the kind of district where so
many effective, high functioning, successful people would want to work. Your work over the years attracted an incredible group
of people who want to lead this district. Twenty candidates from in and out of state applied for the position. Because we
promised them confidentiality, we are not able to share with you the candidates who applied, but if you knew, you would be
sharing our pride at the leadership quality your work has attracted."
In his telephone call of acceptance Cohn also spoke of the district's reputation of excellence. "I have observed the work being
done in Everett and have, over the years, worked with many of Everett's professionals. I look forward to making and renewing
acquaintances with such quality educators and to becoming a part of the vibrant communities served by Everett Public
Schools."
The board will work with Dr. Cohn and Interim Superintendent Karst Brandsma on a transition plan. Dr. Cohn officially begins
as superintendent on July 1, 2009.
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http://www.everett.k12.wa.us/everett/3-5-09
6/19/2009
