School chief to depart

Art Jarvis intends to stay one more year

By Brenda Sexton

The Courier-Herald

Enumclaw School District Superintendent Art Jarvis gave the Enumclaw School Board one-year notice toward his resignation at its regular meeting Dec. 19.

In a letter to School Board President Lorianne Taff and fellow board members, Jarvis said, “After much consideration and 41 years of service, I have decided that I can only offer you one more year. If you renew my contract for the coming year, the 2006-07 school year will be my last as superintendent of the Enumclaw School District.”

Jarvis is part of the state's retire-rehire system. Since 2001, he has been on a year-to-year contract with the district.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my 25 years in this community as teacher, district administrator and superintendent. Having been here three different times as an employee, it is obvious that this community is very special to me.”

Jarvis said it was not an easy decision, but one he has been thinking about for some time.

“For a variety of reasons it's time,” Jarvis said. “I'll give one more year and then cast my fate to the wind.”

In his 10th year as Enumclaw's leader, Jarvis arrived with about 30 years of education service from the superintendent's position with South Whidbey School District.

“The board has asked me for a long, long time to give us a year's notice when you decide to hang it up,” Jarvis said.

Jarvis apologized to the school board for adding the extra work of searching for a replacement to their already heavy load. But, he noted, the lengthy lead should give them plenty of time to prepare.

“We appreciate the lead time,” Taff said. “There's a lot of work. I appreciate the service to the district. We'll have many months to communicate that and reflect on that.”

Taff said the board has a meeting scheduled for Jan. 4 to develop a timeline and discuss the future of the district.

Brenda Sexton can be reached at bsexton@courierherald.com.

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