Everett Schools Superintendent Carol Whitehead will retire in September, a move she says was prompted in part by a recent death threat.
In a statement posted this afternoon on the school district’s Web site, Whitehead said she had decided to speed up her departure from her job.
“As you know, about a year ago I informed you of my wish to retire in January 2009. The recent threat on my life has caused my family to ask me to reconsider that time line. Therefore, I now plan to retire on Sept. 1, 2008,” Whitehead was quoted as telling school board members.
“I have been pleased to serve as your superintendent for the past eight years. I believe we, and all the others in this excellent organization, have worked well together to accomplish much for this community and its children. I would like to mention just a few of those accomplishments,” she added.
The school district’s announcement and a detailed statement from Whitehead are here: http://www.everett.k12.wa.us/everett/6-27-08
Whitehead has been the school district’s chief since 2000. Whitehead was named the Washington State Superintendent of the Year in 2004 for her leadership in the 18,500-student district.
She has faced recent controversy over surveillance of a classroom and teacher at Cascade High School.
The surveillance issue was at the root of an April 23 death threat against her.
Everett police continue to investigate.
After Whitehead received the threat, district officials hired off-duty Everett police officers to patrol the administration office during business hours.
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