PORT TOWNSEND — Superintendent John Polm will leave the Port Townsend School District at the end of June to take the same position in Puyallup.
The Puyallup School Board announced Friday it has hired Polm to serve as its next superintendent starting July 1.
“I have very mixed emotions as I have grown to care deeply about the people here in the Port Townsend Schools and community,” Polm said.
“However, this opportunity is a pinnacle one for me as an educator and an answer to family needs that I expressed in the last newsletter posted online.”
Port Townsend School Board Chair Jennifer James-Wilson said the governing body is sorry to lose Polm, but they understand it’s best for his family.
“Puyallup puts him in the district that three of his grandchildren live and much closer to parents in Longview,” James-Wilson said.
“We are grateful for the four years John has served his district as an effective and well-respected leader. I’m confident that we’re in an excellent position to continue the progress that has been made.”
The Port Townsend School Board will meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday to discuss its options.
The meeting will be at the Gael Stuart Building, 1610 Blaine St.
“Please know that I will continue to work diligently on behalf of the school district and community and with our team throughout the school year,” Polm said.
“The school board is a fantastic group of leaders, and please know that they deserve the trust of the community as they consider the future leadership needed in the next superintendent.
“I am grateful for the opportunity the board has given me to work here, and I am grateful for the incredible PT community, the fantastic students, and especially the caring and talented staff I have been fortunate to partner with the past several years.”