News Release
Everett Public Schools
June 5, 2009
For more information:
Mary Waggoner, 425-385-4049
Dr. Gary Cohn sworn in as Everett Public Schools’ Superintendent
Although he will not officially begin his duties until July 1, Dr. Gary Cohn took an oath of office on Friday, June 5, at 8 a.m. as part of a special meeting of the Everett Public Schools’ board of directors. The oath was administered by Board Vice President Ed Petersen who stepped in for President Sue Cooper who was ill.
As part of the transition to his new position, Cohn has spent several days in the district since he was selected in March. He was in the district on June 5, and taking the oath early “fit into his schedule and the schedules of others between now and July,” noted Petersen. In addition to the ceremonial aspect of the oath, the board approved several administrative processes making it legally possible for Dr. Cohn to fulfill his duties. Those included authorizing his electronic signature on paychecks and other documents, authorizing him to approve fund investments, accept legal and court documents and sign construction documents.
Each board member present commented on Cohn’s selection and their feelings about his stepping into the role of education leader for the community:
Ed Petersen – Before he administered the oath, Petersen reviewed a “successful interim year with Karst Brandsma at the helm” and “a successful superintendent search process. This year was a solid year of accomplishments that built upon the work of Dr. Carol Whitehead. For that, we thank Carol, and we thank Karst. We have chosen a proven and skilled team leader in Dr. Cohn, and we are confident the good work of those who were here before him will continue and continue to improve.”
Kristie Dutton – “Congratuations! The parents, students, staff and community are lucky today to have you in this school leadership role.”
Carol Andrews – “Welcome! It was a long and laborious process that got us to this point, and we know now that it was worth it and that we made a great decision. We all look forward to working with you as you continue the district focus on each and every child’s learning.”
Karen Madsen – “We’ve heard from our board colleagues in Port Angeles how hard they worked while you were superintendent there. We look forward to that hard work with you on behalf of students. We felt a heavy responsibility in making this hiring decision, and much of that responsibility is because of the caliber of the people who were already here in this district and who are here in the room witnessing today’s ceremony. You have an amazingly talented, hardworking and professional leadership team, and we did not know if we would find another superintendent who could keep up with them. Congratulations to us! We did find such a person, and in spite of the economic challenges facing us, we can do a lot with what we have because we have such fine talent in our leadership team and our staff.”
In response, Cohn said, “We will have wonderful times together – and tough times as well. There is no challenge-free time in public education. However, all challenges bring opportunities, and I am looking forward to those. I feel welcomed and supported in this transition to a new position in a new community. The residents and the staff are generously welcoming and clearly highly professional and dedicated to the mission of education.”
Cohn described a going away event in Port Angeles in which the region’s tribal leaders thanked him and his wife, Sue, for his service to the schools and community there. Of the event, he said, “What better way to be sent off on a new adventure than a celebration of young men and women whose lives have been irrevocably changed for the better because of opportunities made possible by a community’s educational system. I look forward to many more such transformative experiences for students in this district.”
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