Monroe’s interim superintendent hired at $260K

Marci Larsen is set to lead the school district for 2022-23.

Marci Larsen

Marci Larsen

MONROE — The Monroe School District’s interim superintendent starts next week on a year-long contract for just more than $260,000.

On Monday night, the school board unanimously approved Marci Larsen’s contract for the 2022-23 school year. Larsen starts Aug. 15, and the contract extends through June 30, 2023. During that term, she will earn a base salary of $256,904 and a $4,500 doctoral stipend. Larsen also will get a $1,000 monthly stipend for travel.

She will undergo two performance reviews: one by Sept. 30 and one by June 30.

Her total salary is slightly more than former Superintendent Justin Blasko made before he resigned from the district following an external investigation of allegations about inappropriate behavior. However, Larsen brings almost 17 years of executive experience from a school district three times the size of Monroe.

“Dr. Larsen and I have known each other for a number of years, and I think you really have a gem coming to the district as your interim superintendent next school year,” said Carl Bruner, Monroe’s acting superintendent.

Larsen’s contract extends through June 30, 2023, unless she and the school board agree to end the term sooner. That flexibility leaves the option for Monroe to hire a permanent superintendent before the end of the school year.

Last month, school board members selected Larsen from a pool of three candidates.

“I want to thank you for inviting me to join your team. I am very excited,” Larsen told the board Monday night. “As I mentioned to you about four weeks ago, this was not in my mind at all that I would be going back to work and doing another superintendency. But I have totally turned that corner … and I will work so hard for you, I promise.”

Mallory Gruben is a Report for America corps member who writes about education for The Daily Herald.

Mallory Gruben: 425-339-3035; mallory.gruben@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @MalloryGruben.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Founder of Faith Lutheran Food Bank Roxana Boroujerd helps direct car line traffic while standing next to a whiteboard alerting clients to their date of closing on Friday, April 25, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Faith Food Bank to close, replacement uncertain

The food bank’s last distribution day will be May 9, following a disagreement with the church over its lease.

Anna Marie Laurence speaks to the Everett Public Schools Board of Directors on Thursday, May 1, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Everett school board selects former prosecutor to fill vacancy

Anna Marie Laurence will fill the seat left vacant after Caroline Mason resigned on March 11.

The Edmonds School Board discusses budget cuts during a school board meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds school board approves potential staff cuts, eyes legislation

The district is awaiting action from Gov. Bob Ferguson on three bills that could bridge its $8.5 million deficit.

Janet Garcia walks into the courtroom for her arraignment at the Snohomish County Courthouse on Monday, April 22, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett mother found competent to stand trial in stabbing death of 4-year-old son

A year after her arraignment, Janet Garcia appeared in court Wednesday for a competency hearing in the death of her son, Ariel Garcia.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Brier in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Brier police levy fails; officials warn current staffing is not sustainable

With no new funding, officials say the department will remain stretched thin.

Fosse will not seek reelection; 2 candidates set to run for her seat

Mason Rutledge and Sam Hem announced this week they will seek the District 1 City Council position.

Lynnwood
Lynnwood police arrest two males in shooting at Swift bus

Man, 19, is booked for investigation of attempted murder. 17-year-old held at Denney Juvenile Justice Center on similar charges.

K-POP Empire store owners Todd Dickinson and Ricky Steinlars at their new store location on Thursday, April 17, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood K-pop store wary of new tariffs

Much of the store’s merchandise, which arrives from China and South Korea, is facing new import fees.

Two-alarm fire destroys storage units, vehicles in South Everett

Nearly 60 firefighters from multiple agencies responded to the blaze. No initial word on a cause.

Christian Sayre sits in the courtroom before the start of jury selection on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Christian Sayre timeline

FEBRUARY 2020 A woman reports a sexual assault by Sayre. Her sexual… Continue reading

Snohomish County prosecutor Martha Saracino delivers her opening statement at the start of the trial for Christian Sayre at the Snohomish County Courthouse on Monday, May 5, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Opening statements begin in fourth trial of former bar owner

A woman gave her account of an alleged sexual assault in 2017. The trial is expected to last through May 16.

Lynnwood
Deputies: 11-year-old in custody after bringing knives to Lynnwood school

The boy has been transported to Denney Juvenile Justice Center. The school was placed in a modified after-school lockdown Monday.