As the Vashon Island School District continues its search for a permanent superintendent, HYA is proud to support a process grounded in transparency, community voice and high-quality data. During the district’s November 13 board meeting, leaders shared an update on the search’s progress, including a closer look at the insights gathered through HYA’s engagement tools. These early steps form the foundation for a strong leadership transition and provide a model for how districts can use data to guide thoughtful decision-making.
Strong Participation Fuels a Clear Leadership Profile
The first phase of the search, which centers on collecting broad community input, concluded with a level of participation that exceeded expectations. HYA gathered feedback through our online community survey as well as in-person and virtual conversations with students, families, staff and community members.
The response was both robust and representative. More than half of the survey participants were parents or guardians of current students, and hundreds of individuals took part in focus groups and interviews. This depth of input will directly inform the district’s leadership profile. a key document that frames the qualities and priorities the community expects in its next superintendent.
What We Heard: Key Themes and Opportunities
While participants recognized areas of strength across the district, they also offered candid feedback on challenges that the next superintendent will need to address. Themes included strengthening communication and transparency, clarifying governance roles, rebuilding trust following previous leadership transitions and addressing ongoing concerns around enrollment trends and financial stability.
Students offered important perspectives as well, naming safety, behavior expectations and equitable discipline as areas needing continued attention. These insights will help shape the district’s priorities for the coming years and ensure that the leadership profile reflects the lived experiences of those most impacted by district decisions.
Student Achievement and Demographic Data Enhance the Picture
Alongside community feedback, HYA presented a detailed data brief that provided a broader look at student learning and demographic trends. The district’s academic performance data show notable strengths, including results that surpass statewide averages in several subjects and a graduation rate that has risen significantly year over year.
At the same time, enrollment shifts and changes in student populations highlight areas where future leadership will need to plan carefully. The data brief helps the district see not only where it has excelled but also where evolving needs require strategic attention.
A Transparent Timeline for the Road Ahead
With the engagement phase complete, the district is now preparing for the recruitment and selection stages. Applications for the superintendent position close on January 9, 2026, followed by board interviews, finalist visits and contract discussions throughout January and February. The new superintendent is expected to officially begin on July 1, 2026.
How HYA Supports Data-Informed Leadership Transitions
This search illustrates how critical high-quality data and community insight are during a leadership transition. Tools like HYA’s community survey and custom data briefs provide districts with a balanced, research-based understanding of their strengths, challenges and aspirations.
For districts, these tools create clarity and alignment. For candidates, they offer a clear perspective on the community they hope to lead. Districts navigating their own leadership changes can learn more about HYA’s suite of services at hyasearch.com.
