Orting’s school superintendent leaving at the end of next month
Orting School District’s superintendent has announced her resignation.
Marci Shepard leaves after six years of leading the 2,700-student school district. Her last day is March 31st, according to an email sent to parents and staff.
The school board is expected to appoint an interim superintendent to begin work April 1 while searching for the next superintendent.
Shepard did not return requests for comment from The News Tribune.
School board member Melissa Kinzler said the board is grateful for Shepard’s service and wishes her the best.
“During her tenure, she had a strong vision, and she has implanted long-term plans,” Kinzler said.
Shepard was paid a total salary of more than $258,000 in 2018-2019, according to public records.
In a letter to parents and staff, Shepard said she was leaving to move back to her husband’s home state of Ohio.
“I am proud of our relentless focus on students, defining our mission and making it measurable, increasing programs for students, aligning our systems and partnerships around our students’ needs, focusing on three strategic goals, and focusing on a culture of caring and character,” she said in a statement.
She served a total of 10 years in the district, as assistant superintendent before becoming superintendent.
Election results for the school district’s operational levy were certified last week. The tax measure for $2.07 per $1,000 of assessed property missed approval by 10 votes. The levy covers 9 percent of the school district budget, including after-school activities, transportation and staffing.
Kinzler said the board has started searching for both an interim and full-time replacement. She wants to include administrators, parents and the community in the process.
“We’re small,” Kinzler said. “We value what they have to say and what they want.”
