Fall 2009 will see a new fact in the hallways and playgrounds of Lopez School.

There will be a new principal, serving kindergarten through 12th grade, replacing current principal Roland MacNichol, who will be retiring at the end of the current school year.

The district has begun the process of seeking qualified applicants for the position, with the goal of confirming a hire by the first of April. They will be conducting a wide-spread search, including regional, state and national contacts.

“We are very much interested in hiring a top-notch principal — the best of the best,” Superintendent Bill Evans said. “This is a terrific school district and we need someone to step in and continue to build upon the excellent leadership provided by Mr. MacNichol.”

The district needs the help of the Lopez/Decatur community in this process. Because of the high degree of commitment to its community the Lopez Island School District is seeking input from the Lopez/Decatur community on traits, characteristics, and skills and experience community members think important to consider in the search for a new principal.

“These are the Lopez/Decatur community schools and so we are asking you for your help in what to look for in the hiring of a new K-12 principal to serve this community that values education so highly,” Evans said.

The district asks that you share any ideas you might have about qualities and characteristics to consider in this search by sending an e-mail to Evans, bevans@lopez.k12.wa.us, or by dropping him a note (86 School Road, Lopez Island, WA. 98261) by Feb. 6.