Resignations from four principals in Chimacum become official this week

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Proud. Four times over.

Resignation letters tendered by the four principals who resigned this month in the Chimacum School District all said they were leaving their leadership posts with the satisfaction of having a professionally rewarding experience in Chimacum schools.

Four resignations reverberated through the school district a week ago.

Jason Lynch, principal for Chimacum Elementary and the Pi program, tendered his resignation May 13. Kim Kooistra, principal at Chimacum Junior/Senior High School, submitted her resignation letter May 16.

Mark Gudger, assistant principal at Chimacum Junior/Senior High School, also submitted his letter of resignation, as did Kyle Ehlis, the principal of Chimacum Creek Primary School, in a resignation letter
May 18.

The Chimacum School Board is expected to accept the resignations at its meeting May 25. All four are stepping down at the end of the 2021-22 school year.

To a person, each principal noted the successes they shared during their time with the district.

“Serving as the principal for Chimacum Elementary and the Pi program for the last five years has been the most professionally and personally rewarding experience in my 23-year education career,” Lynch wrote in his resignation letter. “I am proud of the accomplishments our entire team has made during our time together: Implementing PBIS and intervention structures, Place-Based Learning, high leverage literacy and thinking routines, garden education, STEAM-focused initiatives, and a positive school culture just to name a few!”

“We’ve also done some hard things and have come through strong and connected,” he added. “This includes the reconfiguration of the middle and elementary schools, as well as being one of 5 percent of the districts in the state to serve our students during the 2020-21 school year with in-person learning.”

Lynch promised to help with a smooth transition. 

Kooistra, in her resignation letter, noted she had decided to return to teaching.

“I am proud of the work we have done together,” she wrote. “My decision is grounded in a desire to spend more time with students and balance my work life and time spent with my family.”

“It was great getting to know so many of you. I will miss our conversations. I wish you all the best. We will work together to close the year on a strong note,” she added.

Ehlis submitted the most concise resignation letter.

“Thank you for the opportunity to work and grow as a professional,” Ehlis wrote. “I am very proud of the work that we have accomplished at Chimacum Creek Primary School during my tenure. We worked collaboratively with a shared vision of student success in all areas.”

Gudger said he was thankful for the opportunities he has been given in the past five years.

“This community has really embraced me and helped me to grow as a leader,” he wrote.

“I feel good about the changes to student culture over the past five years and feel like the school is in good shape moving forward. I am thankful to have been a part of that,” he wrote.

Gudger also noted the multiple grants that had been awarded that brought in thousands of dollars for Career and Technical Education programs.

“It is with heavy heart and mixed emotions that I submit my letter of resignation,” Gudger continued. “I feel like the Chimacum community is now part of my family and I will miss everyone.”

“Once a Cowboy, always a Cowboy,” he added.

The district started advertising for candidates last week.

According to Chimacum School District Superintendent Scott Mauk, recruiting efforts have already started and the district plans to screen, interview, and select finalists around June 8.

Community forums will also be held, and Mauk said finalists should be chosen around June 8, with new principals being selected before the end of June.