Eatonville expected to hire new district superintendent soon

The Eatonville School District is closer to hiring its next superintendent with a decision expected in the coming weeks.

District officials set a timeline of May 15 to find a replacement to Superintendent Krestin Bahr, who accepted a position as Peninsula School District superintendent starting in July.

According to the schedule announced by the Eatonville School Board, the new superintendent should start by July 1.

Bahr is leaving the Eatonville School District to live closer to her family with her husband in the Peninsula School District area. 

"It was a hard decision to leave, and my dream is to fulfill one more superintendent position before I retire," Bahr said.

Bahr spent eight years in Eatonville as the first female superintendent and 20 years in Tacoma as an educator. Bahr said she feels she is leaving Eatonville on a good note.

Bahr cites among her accomplishments as allowing creativity among staff and students, as well as creating a safe learning culture and bringing “passion and joy” to public schools. She helped create Burwash-Kjelstad Farm in Ohop Valley for students to learn about farming.

During her years as superintendent, Bahr helped the school district receive $1 million in grants, which went to professional development and students. Bahr said she is also proud of the Eatonville School District's STEM schools created during her time as superintendent. Bahr said she will miss the people of Eatonville and the partnerships that made the community a great place to live.