EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated with corrected information about the Deputy Superintendent as well as a response from Superintendent Dr. Ivan Duran.
Parents, staff, educators, and a child as young as 6-years-old spoke at the May 6, 2026, Highline School Board meeting where North Hill Elementary School was front and center for discussion.
Public comment reflected grievances about lack of transparency amid the imminent relocation of two North Hill prominent figures – Principal Kimberly Jones and Assistant Principal Kaitlyn O’Leary – who were being transitioned to fill voids at Des Moines Elementary School. The move was to commence at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. The public was told the move was voluntary, however, that’s since been disputed.
Either way, that move has now been scrapped.
Kristen Price, a North Hill parent and supporter of the school, said she met with Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Reinig Thursday morning, May 14 to provide updates she received through an email address she set up for North Hill parents and staff. Price said many of them do not feel comfortable voicing discord with the District and communicate via these means instead.
In a joint statement to The B-Town Blog, Price and fellow North Hill parent Katie Paulson iterated:
“Our focus has always been on the stability of our school and the well-being of the educators who serve our children. We are incredibly grateful that our leadership team is remaining at North Hill, and we would like to thank Dr. [Ivan] Duran, the Highline Board, and the District for listening to our concerns and making this decision.”
The statement continued:
“Our staff is at the heart of this community, and we are happy to get back to the business of supporting them and celebrating our students’ success. The Force is definitely with North Hill today.”
Price said she plans to continue meeting with the powers-that-be to foster transparency and communicate any ongoing community concerns.
“I’m hopeful the District can move quickly to reestablish trust so we won’t feel this [group email] is necessary long term,” Price said. “Staff can feel free and safe to continue to submit to protecthighlineeducators@protonmail.com.”
Superintendent Duran Responds
The B-Town Blog reached out to Superintendent Duran for comment, and here’s his response:
“Dear North Hill Families,
“Thank you to every North Hill student, family and staff member who shared feedback through the ThoughtExchange about the qualities valued most in a school leadership team. It is clear the community deeply values the leadership strengths Kimberly Jones and Kaitlyn O’Leary bring to their roles.
“We are also grateful to the many members of the North Hill community who took time to share their perspectives and advocate for North Hill through emails and attendance at the school board meeting. We have heard you and understand your concerns.
“Over the past week, North Hill school leadership and Highline executive leadership have reconsidered Ms. Jones and Ms. O’Leary’s appointment at Des Moines Elementary School.
“Together, we have decided Ms. Jones and Ms. O’Leary will remain at North Hill.
“Ms. Jones and Ms. O’Leary remain committed to North Hill, and we look forward to the continued work ahead together.
“As a result of this decision, we will reopen the hiring process to identify leadership for Des Moines Elementary School.
“Thank you,
“Dr. Duran”
Photos courtesy Kristen Price
Once again, the affluent neighborhoods bully their way into getting what they want at the expense of the rest of the district.
Instead of allowing these administrators to go where they’re needed they gin up some conspiracy, they act with such arrogance and selfishness it’s truly astounding.
But, of course, maybe that sense of entitlement is founded. Clearly the district was happy to dance to their tune.
To Price, Paulson, and the others behind this initiative: you talk a great deal about community, but maybe next time consider that the Highline community is larger than just your school, and your enclave.
To the district board and superintendents: the district continuously touts its commitment to equity; is this what that looks like?
Or was this group getting special consideration due to their social class and the resources they could bring to bear?
Was this a principled choice for the district or are you just avoiding a fight and letting the students pay the cost?
It’s disappointing to see North Hill characterized as an ‘affluent enclave’ when the data tells a much different story.
Our school is a beautifully diverse community, and we advocate for our leadership precisely because they support our most vulnerable students. North Hill serves a high population of students with special needs and diverse learners who rely on the stability and specialized programs our current administration has championed.
Seeking stability for a diverse, high-needs student body isn’t ‘entitlement’—it’s advocating for the equity and consistency every Highline student deserves, regardless of their zip code.
Hi Kyle, I appreciate the opportunity to clarify what this movement is truly about.
Our advocacy wasn’t a fight ‘against’ anyone; it was an effort to uphold the incredible female leadership we have at North Hill. Principal Jones and AP O’Leary have built a culture of excellence that specifically serves a very diverse student body, including a significant population of students with special needs who rely on the stability and specialized inclusion programs these leaders have championed.
We absolutely agree that Des Moines Elementary deserves better. They deserve a dedicated, long-term leadership plan—not a ‘patchwork’ fix that uproots successful teams elsewhere. Every student in Highline deserves the stability we fought for.
If you’re passionate about equity and transparency in our district, we’d love for you to join us. We are moving from a ‘rebellion’ to a coalition for all Highline schools. Please join our Facebook group Highline Families for Staff Safety and Agency and help us advocate for a district where every school, every teacher, and every student gets the resources and respect they deserve. We are stronger when we work together.