Submitted by Olympia School District
In August the Olympia School Board named Monica West interim Principal of McLane Elementary School for the 2012-13 school year. Last night the board appointed West permanently to the position, saying she had done an exemplary job as interim principal and was an excellent choice to lead McLane’s students and staff into a bright future.
Olympia School District Superintendent Dick Cvitanich added his support for the decision, saying West had also received an enthusiastic endorsement from parents and staff at the school.
“Over the past few weeks I have connected with many groups and individuals about how Monica has been doing as Principal, and the feedback I’ve received has been excellent,” said Cvitanich. “I am very pleased that our McLane students and families, as well as Monica’s colleagues, will be able to lean on her skills, leadership and many years of experience as we begin planning for the next school year and beyond.”
West has been in the education field for more than 23 years. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Idaho and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Portland State University, and received her administrative credentials from Seattle Pacific University. Before being appointed interim principal at McLane, West served as Assistant Principal and Dean of Students at Jefferson Middle School and Director of the district’s Learning Assistance Program. She has also served as a Math Instructional Specialist in the district’s Teaching and Learning Department and was Dean of Students at Capital High School. West taught
math and science at the high school level for five years and at the middle school level for 11 years.
“I am very excited about being a permanent part of the McLane family and helping each student achieve their very best,” said West. “I look forward to working closely with the community and staff to continue creating a solid learning environment for our students.”
McLane Elementary serves about 350 students in preschool through fifth grade, and is home to the district’s Program for Academically Talented Students (PATS) program.
West’s new position as permanent Principal begins immediately.
