By Chris Tucker
ctucker@soundpublishing.com
Central Kitsap School District has a new superintendent, but his face is familiar.
During its meeting Wednesday, the CKSD board of directors unanimously agreed to remove the “interim” designation and appoint David McVicker as a permanent superintendent.
“All the board members had very positive things to say about what he’s done so far in his short term here as superintendent,” said Mark Gaines, president of the board.
“There was absolutely no disagreement at all that David will be the right candidate for our district to keep moving us forward. Keep working what on what you already have in place to make us a great district. Congratulations,” he said.
Gaines said the board could have embarked on a national search but felt McVicker was as good as anyone they could find nationally.
The move comes after the board spent several months developing a superintendent job description and new evaluation process. As board members considered the requirements and responsibilities of the superintendent position, they also shared their thoughts on the type of leader they wanted. It was during those conversations that board members realized they were seeking the same qualities and strengths already held by McVicker.
“It’s an honor and a pleasure to work with five great people (on the board) and lots of great staff,” McVicker said after a brief round of applause. “I’m excited and I’m having a great time.”
The board went into executive session twice before announcing their decision. Those sessions included a discussion of salary and qualifications, board members said.
McVicker began serving as interim superintendent in March after then-Superintendent Hazel Bauman’s sudden resignation. She had been with the district about a year and a half when she resigned for health reasons.
McVicker’s 36-year career in education began as a teacher in the Shelton School District. From there, he moved to an elementary principal position with the Goldendale School District.
In 1987, McVicker accepted a position as principal at Brownsville Elementary School in the CK school district and later moved to Emerald Heights Elementary School.
In 2005, he became director of special services for CKSD. Most recently, he served as assistant superintendent for business and operations.
