Weisner named ESD superintendent

Former Walla Walla High School principal named Educational Service District 123 superintendent
The Educational Service District (ESD) 123 Board of Directors announced Darcy Weisner as the agency’s new leader, effective July 1, 2016 upon retirement of current Superintendent Bruce Hawkins. Weisner was one of three finalists identified by the superintendent review committee on December 17. The ESD began its search for a successor superintendent last summer following Hawkins’ formal retirement announcement. Hawkins has served as superintendent of ESD 123 for nearly thirteen years, is highly regarded among his peers, and has led the educational agency into an era of great growth.

“I am extremely humbled and proud to have the opportunity to serve as the Superintendent of ESD 123,” states Weisner. “I hope to continue promoting and modeling our mission of helping all students realize their dreams and aspirations. I would like to thank our board of directors for their trust in my selection and I hope to continue the collaborative success of the ESD.”

Weisner brings 34 years of educational experience to the ESD. He currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Support at ESD 123 – a position he has held since July 2014. Prior to joining the ESD, he served as superintendent of the Clarkston School District for four years. His career in education also includes four years as principal of Walla Walla High School and four years as assistant principal at John R. Rogers High School in Spokane. Twenty years of Weisner’s career has been spent as a classroom teacher and a head basketball coach.

“We were fortunate to have high-caliber candidates from which to select our next superintendent,” states ESD Board Chair, Lee Ann Dudney. “Following a thorough process that included participation from superintendents in the 23 school districts within our region and ESD staff, Weisner emerged as the strongest candidate to become the next leader of ESD 123. His excellent qualifications and unwavering passion for our mission position him to successfully lead the ESD well into the future.”