Jenkins appointed pro tem superintendent

Will assume position July 1 when Hyde leaves Bremerton School District

The Bremerton school board handed the district’s reigns to assistant superintendent Linda Jenkins Tuesday, appointing her pro tem superintendent by unanimous decision, 5-0.

Jenkins steps in for the soon-to-be-retired Bette Hyde, Bremerton’s superintendent for seven years. Hyde’s run officially ends July 1.

In her role as pro tem superintendent, Jenkins will assume responsibility of overseeing the district while continuing what she calls Hyde’s “clear vision.”

“I think Bette collects good people,” Jenkins said.

With prior administration experience in the Lake Washington, Highline and Mount Vernon school districts, and a familiarity with the Bremerton School District (BSD), Jenkins was the logical choice.

“The work I love is about teaching and learning,” she said. “The kinds of things that increase achievement for students.”

Part of that learning process, Jenkins said, is building solid relationships, an opportunity BSD offers.

“I like the personal relationships you can develop in smaller (school) districts,” she said.

Jenkins said she also enjoys watching her colleagues succeed, another draw to being a school administrator.

“I love working with principals,” she said. “It’s gratifying to help grow the future leaders.”

The board plans to hire an interim superintendent for the 2008-09 school year — Jenkins said she won’t apply for that position — and eventually a permanent superintendent, when the right candidate is found.

“We’re looking at it as a way to look and see who’s really out there,” board member DeWayne Boyd said. “Our feeling is that we have made so much progress, and made a clear vision, that we need to find a good fit.”

Boyd, the district’s superintendent from 1987-1996, said finding the right person is more important than immediately filling the position.

The board is looking inside as well as outside the district for possible candidates, Boyd said.

Interviews for the interim superintendent are set to begin July 8, with the board looking to fill the position by September.

Contact Bremerton Patriot Sports writer Wesley Remmer at wremmer@bremertonpatriot.com or (360) 308-9161.

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