SNOHOMISH — Snohomish School District Superintendent Bill Mester hopes to return to lead the district by spring after taking a medical leave for cancer treatment.
Mester, 59, said he was diagnosed with a rare form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma earlier this week and will start treatments next week.
His treatment plan will require a lengthy period of aggressive treatment, he said.
“Over the next several months, my primary focus will be on getting well and following my treatment plan,” he said.
On Monday, the Snohomish School Board is expected to name Assistant Superintendent Betty Robertson to serve as superintendent while Mester is gone.
“It was important to me that I tell you about this myself and let you know that I fully expect the school district to remain on course,” Mester said in a letter to parents. “We have a strong, stable school board and I have complete confidence in Betty, our administrative team, teachers and support professionals to carry forward our shared mission of educating Snohomish students.”
Mester said there is important work to be done this year, including ongoing capital projects, preparations for opening Glacier Peak High School and a new classroom building at Snohomish High School, as well as a likely school construction and renovation bond proposal in 2008.
Mester acknowledged it will be difficult to keep his mind off school district business, but said it is best for everyone that he does.
“Knowing that this work is continuing during my leave of absence will help lift my spirits,” he said.
News of Mester’s medical leave hit colleagues hard.
“I think everybody is in shock,” School Board President Jay Hagen said. “Our thoughts and prayers are for Bill’s speedy recovery. We are looking forward to his return.”
“I think the board is very confident in the leadership in the district right now,” Hagen said. “With Betty, we will be just fine. Bill is a great mentor and he has taught his people well.”
Mester has led the Snohomish School District since 2002. His wife, Fran Mester, is an assistant superintendent in the Monroe School District.
Robertson has worked for the school district for nine years.
“We can’t wait to get Bill back,” Robertson said.
Reporter Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446 or e-mail stevick@heraldnet.com.
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