Superintendent Carter to retire at end of school year

Superintendent Carter to retire at end of school year

Walla Walla Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Richard B. Carter announced during the October 6 school board meeting he plans to retire at the end of the 2009-2010 school year culminating a 37 year career in public education. Dr. Carter started his tenure in Walla Walla July 1, 2000. His last day will be June 30, 2010.

"When the end of the year arrives, it is my greatest hope that the legacy I leave in the Walla Walla Public Schools is a stronger organization than when I arrived," Carter said. "I want all the school board members, administrators, teachers and staff to know that my success has always been based on their success. Together, with a caring and committed staff and guidance by parents and community and business leaders, we have shaped one of the highest quality educational institutions in the state; one that we can all be proud of."

Carter taught in the classroom and as a coach and PE specialist in Victoria , Australia ; Casa Grande , Arizona ; was a teacher, eventually becoming a principal, at Hood Canal School District ; and Superintendent at Carbonado School District . Dr. Carter's most recent experience was as Superintendent of White Salmon Valley School District in White Salmon, Washington, from 1990 to 2000, when he was chosen to be the Superintendent of Schools for the Walla Walla Public Schools.

"Dr. Carter's contribution to Walla Walla Public Schools is greatly appreciated," School Board President Mary Jo Geidl said. "His vision for the future has led to many positive changes in the district, such as instituting all day kindergarten and teacher collaboration, overseeing construction of Sharpstein and Edison Elementary Schools , and establishing a Transportation Co-op with 90 percent funding by the state. It will be a challenging task to find a replacement for him."

School board members will begin discussions about superintendent search options. No plans have been made at this time.

Highlights during Carter's tenure at Walla Walla Public Schools:

- Created a culture for acceptance of change

- Developed a focus on curriculum and stressed every child is a learner

- Improved state test scores in math, reading, writing and science

- Kept the district in stable funding conditions despite increasing expenditure pressures

- Increased teacher professional development opportunities, including Wednesday collaboration time

- Organized successful school elections: Edison bond and three M&O levies

- Developed the Southeast Washington Transportation Cooperative and Support Services facility

- Received National Energy Pacesetter Award for recording more than $2 million in savings

- Applied for and received funding for feasibility study and pre-design for a high school skills center

- Completed district boundary revision for elementary and middle schools

- Developed All Day Kindergarten program in district elementary schools

- Began Dual Immersion programs at Sharpstein & Edison Elementary Schools

- Supported National Board Certification program (31 Walla Walla teachers now certified)

- Created K-12 Common Collaboration to offer teachers more time to improve instruction

- Completed and dedicated modernized Sharpstein Elementary (2001)

Carter received his BA from California State University at Chico , a Master's in Adaptive PE from Arizona State University , a Master's in Educational Administration from Pacific Lutheran University , and his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Seattle University .

Carter is a member of local, regional, and state school administrator's professional associations and of the National School Boards Association. Locally, he is a member of the YMCA Board of Directors, the Borleske Stadium Board of Directors, Leadership Walla Walla Graduate, and Rotary Club of Walla Walla. He is a charter member and past Chair of the regional GEAR-UP Grant Committee (Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Under-graduate Programs) for Washington State University .

Carter says in retirement he and his wife Nancy plan to travel, play golf and spend more time with their two daughters, Robyn Lynn, 29 and Amy Jean, 27.

For more information, contact Communications Director Mark Higgins at 509.526.6716 or mhiggins@wwps.org.