KINGSTON — Reese Ande’s career in education has been quite a journey.
His passion for the field has taken him from Western Washington University, where he earned his bachelor’s in education in 1997, to a tiny school in Aniak, Alaska and then back to Washington to the Bainbridge Island School District.
The 33-year-old was recently hired as Kingston High School’s first assistant principal. He is presently a teacher at Ordway Elementary School on Bainbridge Island.
In the central Alaska town of Aniak (population 581), located on the Kuskokwim River, he served as the high school and middle school athletic director.
Ande’s travels have finally brought him to the place where he’s always wanted to be — in administration.
“I appreciate the opportunity. This will be the first time I’ve worked in administration at a school,” he said. “Someone had to give me that first shot, and I am glad the North Kitsap School District has given me that chance.”
Ande said he plans on being fully immersed in the community at all levels.
“I am excited to get to know the staff and the community. It’s something I want to do right away,” he said. “Education is the priority, and we’re going to do whatever it takes to get kids where they need to be. The goal is to create an educational system that meets the needs of all students.”
Kingston High School principal Christy Cole said she is ecstatic Ande has accepted the assistant principal position.
“We’re thrilled to have him on board,” Cole said during the April 12 North Kitsap school board meeting. “He’s a great talent and we’re happy to have him here.”
Ande said he believes the opening of a new school creates an opportunity to build a solid foundation that can pay dividends for years to come.
“Being a new school, it offers a chance to make a first impression and build the culture of the school from the ground up,” he said.
For Ande, having a positive impact on children is what it’s all about.
“In teaching, you can have a powerful effect on the lives of students in a positive way,” he said. “Seeing the success of students is very rewarding. I don’t think there’s too many jobs out there where you have that kind of an opportunity.”
