Lakewood School District Superintendent Michael Mack, who will retire in June, stands in the central commons area at the then-newly constructed Lakewood High School back in 2017. (Arlington Times, file)

Lakewood School District Superintendent Michael Mack, who will retire in June, stands in the central commons area at the then-newly constructed Lakewood High School back in 2017. (Arlington Times, file)

Lakewood chooses semifinalists in superintendent search

That number will be narrowed to three after candidates are interviewed in public meetings next week.

LAKEWOOD — Folks are invited this week to meet the seven finalists in Lakewood School District’s superintendent search.

The school board plans to interview each of the candidates next week. After, attendees are asked to give written feedback to help the board in its decision.

Three will be chosen to move forward.

The district has set aside June 11 through 13 so the applicants can visit again separately. Public forums are planned on those days, where staff, students, parents and others can meet the contenders. The time and location for those events has not been chosen yet.

Many of the finalists already work in Snohomish County school districts: Brian Beckley, of Everett Public Schools, Ken Collins, of the Lake Stevens School District, Pat Hegarty, of the Mukilteo School District, and Scott Peacock, of the Snohomish School District.

Others are Jill Diehl, of Longview Public Schools, Jared Hoadley, of the Mead School District, and Jennifer Kindle, of the Selah School District.

Kindle also recently was considered for the superintendent position in the Granite Falls School District. She was one of two finalists. That job was filled by Josh Middleton, of Idaho.

Current Superintendent Michael Mack became the Lakewood School District’s leader in 2014. He plans to retire in June.

During his time with the district, the on-time graduation rate has risen from 77.9 percent to 92.1 percent. A new high school opened in September 2017.

He’s now headed to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, where he’ll become superintendent of the International Schools Group.

The interviews next week are from 4 and 7 p.m. Monday, and from 5 and 7 p.m. Tuesday. The meetings will be in the Lakewood High School library, 17023 11th Ave. NE, Arlington.

The superintendent is expected to be chosen by June 14.

Stephanie Davey: 425-339-3192; sdavey@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @stephrdavey.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Regional Director Nicole Smith-Mathews talks about the new mobile opioid treatment clinic on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
New Snohomish County mobile opioid care unit showcased

The clinic, based in Gold Bar, will provide treatment to rural areas where options are limited.

The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) graduation of Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) Class 915 on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. This is the first class to complete training at the agency’s new Northwest Regional Campus in Arlington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
First class graduates from Arlington’s police academy

The ceremony celebrated 27 new police officers, many who will work in Snohomish County.

Outside of the Madrona School on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Olympic View Water and Sewer District sues Edmonds School District

The Olympic View Water and Sewer District filed a citizen… Continue reading

Everett
Everett police investigate ‘complicated’ pedestrian fatality

Police impounded a vehicle believed to be connected with the collision Sunday in south Everett. No charges have been filed.

Hugo, 6, walks through one of the entrance gates of the new Clark Park Off Leash Dog Area as owner Erica Weir follows behind on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett opens new dog playground in Clark Park

The off-leash area opened after years of planning and the controversial removal of a historic gazebo.

A no trespassing sign threatens prosecution at the site of Mother Nature’s Window Park along 55th Drive NE on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, in Marysville, Washington. The patch of woods is overgrown, but there are plans to open the land back to the public after it is renovated. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Work begins to reopen a Marysville park for the first time in 25 years

Closed in the mid-1990s, Mother Nature’s Window is planned to open in 2026.

Lake Stevens Sewer District wastewater treatment plant. (Lake Stevens Sewer District)
Lake Stevens appeals sewer district assumption ruling

In June, a judge ruled the city cannot assume the district eight years earlier than originally planned.

Marysville recruit Brian Donaldson, holds onto his helmet as he drags a 5-inch line 200 feet in Snohomish County’s first fire training academy run through an obstacle course at the South Snohomish Fire & Rescue training ground on Monday, March 26, 2018 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Voters approving fire and EMS levy lifts in Snohomish County

Initial returns showed measures passing in Marysville, North County Fire and Snohomish County Fire District No. 4.

From left, Carson Sanderson, Brian Travis and Arun Sharma
Frontrunners emerge in Northshore school board primary

Six candidates for three seats will move on to the Nov. 4 general election.

Top, from left: Amber Cantu, Gary Kemp, Dan Perkins. Bottom, from left: R.J. Whitlow, David Garrett.
Marysville council race too close to call

Fifth-grade teacher Dan Perkins took an early lead, with Amber Cantu and R.J. Whitlow trailing behind him.

Escamilla leading in Lynnwood, Position 3 race too close to call

Derica Escamilla and Dio Boucsieguez led for Position 1. Bryce Owings was in front for Position 3, with one vote separating Josh Binda and Tyler Hall.

Top, from left: Bill Wheeler, Erica Weir and Mason Rutledge. Bottom, from left: Sam Hem, Steven Sullivan.
Everett primary races in Districts 1 and 4 too close to call

In District 2, incumbent Paula Rhyne and her challenger, Ryan Crowther, cruised to spots in the November general election.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.