Renton School Board Names Vera Risdon Interim Superintendent

Renton School Board members today voted unanimously to name assistant superintendent Vera Risdon as the district’s interim superintendent to serve during the months-long searchfor a new superintendent. Risdon will assume the role in January as .

The move to name Risdon to the position came quickly because Heuschel—who has served as superintendent for more than six years — is expected to begin in her new position when Inslee takes office on Jan.16, 2013.

The Board also began the process for a nationwide search for a new superintendent, voting to have the district identify a search firm to findqualified candidates. The process will include staff and community inputand community meetings to meet candidates.

Risdon has been an educator in Renton for more than 46 years, beginning as a teacher at Hazelwood Elementary School and teaching at five different Renton schools from 1966 to 1982 (Hazelwood, McKnight, Campbell Hill, Benson Hill and Renton Park). She has also served as principal at Highlands (1982-86) and Hazelwood (1986-92) elementary schools; as assistant superintendent for curriculum,instruction and technology (1992-2000); and as associate superintendent for elementary education (2000-2007), apart-time position.

Risdon is well-respected both in the district and throughout the state. From 2000 through 2011 she worked as aneducation consultant, trainer, coach and mentor for local school districts in the region, the Association of Washington State Principals, and the state’s education office. She returned to the district in 2011 as assistan tsuperintendent for learning and teaching.

Although not a candidate forthe superintendent position, she will continue to support the current initiatives and the exemplary work underway inthe Renton School District.

*Editor's Note: Information provided by the Renton School District.