You are here

Home » News » State Board of Education Announces New Leadership

State Board of Education Announces New Leadership

Release Date: 

March 25, 2010

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Jeff Vincent (Bainbridge Island) and Steve Dal Porto (Quincy) are the new Chair and Vice Chair of the Washington State Board of Education. The pair, elected independently during the Board’s March Board meeting at Highline Community College, will serve for at least two years in their respective roles.

The elections end the two-year terms of former Chair Mary Jean Ryan (Seattle) and former Vice Chair Warren Smith (Spanaway). Both will continue to serve on the Board.

Jeff Vincent, the current Chief Executive Officer and President of the Laird Norton Company LLC. has more than 30 years of business experience in such roles as CEO, CFO, and corporate development officer.

"It’s an honor to work with the State Board on issues that will directly and positively affect students in Washington for the next decade,” said Jeff Vincent.

Steve Dal Porto has been directly involved in the education of Washington public school students for 33 years as an elementary, junior high, and high school teacher; an elementary and junior high school principal; an assistant superintendent with duties in curriculum development, professional development, and business management; and as superintendent of schools. Steve Dal Porto was elected to the State Board of Education by Eastern Washington school board members after he retired as a school superintendent in July 2005.

"We have important work ahead of us,” said Steve Dal Porto. "Our tasks of further developing statewide school accountability and implementing improved graduation requirements will require tremendous efforts on the part of all Board members. I am lucky to be part of this process.”

Mr. Vincent and Mr. Dal Porto will guide the Board as they continue to work on a comprehensive statewide accountability system and the implementation of 21st century graduation requirements.

They will be joined by two new members to the Board’s Executive Committee, Sheila Fox (Bellingham) and Jack Schuster (Ocean Shores).

###########

Contact: Aaron Wyatt, Communications Manager

About the State Board of Education: The State Board of Education provides advocacy and strategic oversight of public education. The board is comprised of 16 members: five are elected by school board directors, seven are appointed by the Governor, two serve as student representatives, and one serves as a private school representative. The Superintendent of Public Instruction is also a member.

[Back to News]

Media Contact: 

Alissa Muller, SBE Communications Manager, (360) 725-6501