Quaresma named new Executive Director of Personnel

Quaresma named new Executive Director of Personnel

WALLA WALLA, April 13, 2010 - Sharpstein Elementary Principal Laure Quaresma has been selected by new Superintendent Mick Miller to be Walla Walla Public Schools' new Executive Director of Personnel.

Quaresma replaces Dr. Bill Jordan who is retiring at the end of the school year. She will assume her new duties July 1.

School Board President Cindy Meyer said the Board of Directors asked Miller to approve the hire since the personnel director serves on his administrative cabinet. Miller begins his tenure July 1.

Quaresma has 29 years of experience in public education. She was a school teacher in Oregon and Washington schools for 17 years. Quaresma served as assistant principal at Garrison Middle School from 1997 to 2001 and has held the principal position at Sharpstein Elementary the past nine years. Miller said Quaresma's vast educational experiences make her an excellent choice for the position.

Quaresma earned her Bachelor's in Education degree from Western Washington University and her Master's Degree and Administrative Certification from Eastern Washington University .

As Executive Director of Personnel, Quaresma will manage the district's human resources efforts. Her responsibilities include, but are not limited to, staffing, labor contract management, discipline, truancy, legal issues and public records requests.

"I'm excited and honored to be able to represent the staff and families of our school district in my new role," Quaresma said. "It's been a privilege to work with the families and staff at Sharpstein as they truly keep children at the forefront of all they do. I want to thank the Sharpstein community for learning and growing with me and their support as I take on this new opportunity."

A search for a new Sharpstein Elementary principal begins immediately.

FOR MORE INFORMATION - Contact Mark Higgins at (509) 526-6716 or by e-mail at: mhiggins@wwps.org .