Hambly stepping down as chief of White River schools

Published 12:45 pm Thursday, December 11, 2008

By Brenda Sexton

The Courier-Herald

White River School Board President Jean Lacy's voice broke slightly as she read Superintendent Jay Hambly's letter of resignation at the board's regular meeting Dec. 8.

Board member Susan McGuire dabbed tears.

"Are you sure?" board member Peter Shook asked.

Hambly, who has spent the past 13 years at the helm of the White River School District, solemnly nodded.

The board begins its search for Hambly's replacement at 6 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, at a special meeting to interview consultants who will help with the hunt.

Hambly said it is time for the district to write a new chapter. Hambly, who has been on a one-year contract as part of the state's retire-rehire program since 2002, said it is time for him to move on to something different before "really" retiring. Although he has no plan or set agenda at this time. His last day is scheduled for June 30.

"Over the past 13 years, I have had to make some difficult decisions, but none more difficult than my decision to resign from my role as your superintendent," Hambly wrote. "I have always been a strong believer in seeking the right time to make a change. I now believe this is the best time for the district and myself to make this change. With our bond projects nearly complete, our culture of caring established and our strategic plan nearly finished, now is the time to write another chapter in our district's history. It is only fair to allow your new leader to be the one to help shape this future instead of coming in and trying to follow a direction already established. I also believe that if I am going to make one more professional move before I really retire, I must do it now before my options become more limited."

"We all should be extremely proud of what we have accomplished over the years," Hambly wrote. "Our facilities are in the best shape they have ever been in function and handling future growth. Our curriculum and instruction has improved tremendously thus providing an even better education for our students. Our reputation has grown significantly in a positive direction as an ever-increasing number of parents and staff seek us out to educate their children or obtain a job."

Hambly graduated from Seattle Pacific University, earning his master's in education in 1982. He earned his principal credentials in 1986, and superintendent's credentials in 1992.

Prior to coming to White River, Hambly spent 1972-82 teaching elementary school in the Shoreline School District. He moved on to become an elementary principal for the Highline School District. He became White River's assistant superintendent in 1992 and moved into the superintendent's office when Dale Almlie retired in 1998.

Through the years, he has been involved in Washington Association of School Administrators, Pierce County Careers Consortium and the Buckley Kiwanis.

Known throughout the district as being approachable, understanding and fair, it was also noted he would teach an elementary unit on rocketry each spring.

"We're going to miss Jay," Lacy said. "We're proud of what he's done over the years and it also opens the door for what kind of person we are looking for (to replace him). Speaking for myself. I'm sad to see this day come.

"But we will find the type of leader we need to find for the future," she said.

Brenda Sexton can be reached at bsexton@cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/courierherald.