Submitted by Centralia School District
Centralia School District’s School Board of Directors has selected Dr. Lisa Grant as the district’s next superintendent. Dr. Grant, who is currently Superintendent of the Mossyrock School District has accepted the position. The offer is tentative pending board approval and negotiation of a mutually agreeable contract.
“Our process was thorough, deliberate and thoughtful,” said Board President, Lori Fast. “We took into account the needs of all the stakeholders in our district. This includes our students, our staff, and our community at large. Dr. Grant is a Centralian. She lives here with her husband. They are involved in the community and it was clear to us that she is committed to contributing to excellence here.”
“Dr. Grant is a highly experienced and qualified educator and administrator,” said Fast. In addition to her tenure at Mossyrock, Dr. Grant has served as Executive Director of Special Services for Pinellas County Schools in Florida. She has served as a Director of Professional Development in the same district and has held several principal positions in addition. Her career in education began in 1988 in the Fife School District. Grant is originally from the Pacific Northwest.
Dr. Grant earned her Doctorate of Education from the University of South Florida in 2013. She also holds degrees from the University of Washington and Gonzaga University.
The Board of Directors deliberated late into the night on January 29 as they considered the qualities of each of the two finalist candidates. They reviewed all of the community and staff feedback they received before making their final decision.
“We want to thank Mr. Mike Gass for his time and effort,” said Fast. “There is no question that Mr. Gass is a highly talented, accomplished, and qualified educator. We are glad to have the opportunity to have met him and the board wishes him the best in the next chapter of his career.”
Centralia’s superintendent search was led by Northwest Leadership Associates. The current Superintendent, Mark Davalos, has announced his retirement effective at the end of this school year.
