[EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a Letter to the Editor, written and submitted by a verified resident. It represents the opinion of the author, and does not necessarily reflect the views of South King Media or its staff.]
To the Editor:
As a parent of a graduating fifth grader at North Hill Elementary, I am writing to express my profound opposition to the involuntary transfer of both our Principal, Kimberly Jones, and Assistant Principal, Kaitlyn O’Leary.
While the district’s announcement frames this as a “strategic” move for another school, it feels like a strategic hollow-out of our own. Consistency and trust are the bedrocks of student success, yet the Highline School District is stripping North Hill of its entire administrative foundation without meaningful consultation from the families who rely on it.
In Highline, we speak frequently about “equity” and “agency.” However, equity is not just a buzzword; it is found in the relationships and the safety built between leadership and students. Under Ms. Jones and Ms. O’Leary, my child has felt seen, valued, and supported. To uproot that leadership—not by their choice, but by mandate—dismisses the social and emotional labor they have invested in our children over several years.
The district has offered us a “ThoughtExchange” to list the characteristics we want in new leaders. This feels like an empty gesture of agency after the most critical decision has already been made for us. You cannot ask a community to “participate” in a process that begins with the unilateral removal of the very people we trust.
I am calling on Superintendent Duran and the Highline School Board to reconsider this double transfer. If the district is truly committed to the “foundation” built at North Hill, they would not be actively dismantling it. Our students, especially those who thrive on stability, deserve better than to be treated as pawns in a district-wide reshuffling.
Respectfully,
Kristen Price
School District Responds
Highline Public Schools sent us the following response to the letter writer’s concerns:
“North Hill Principal Kimberly Jones has been appointed as the next principal at another Highline elementary school, and North Hill Assistant Principal Kaitlyn O’Leary has been appointed as the next assistant principal at the same school. Both are a strong fit for this school community, bringing the leadership, experience, and commitment needed to support students, staff, and families.
“Ms. Jones and Ms. O’Leary’s will depart North Hill at the end of the school year. Their leadership has helped build a strong foundation at North Hill, positioning the school well for continued success moving forward.
“We are grateful to both Ms. Jones and Ms. O’Leary for their leadership and service to the North Hill community. We will conduct a strategic search process to fill the principal and assistant principal roles at North Hill.
“We are currently seeking feedback from families and staff as the first step in the hiring process. Information on how to share feedback was provided to families on Friday. This input will be used to develop a strategic profile of the desired qualities for the next leadership team at North Hill and will inform the hiring process.”
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