The Stanwood-Camano School District is proud to announce that Mr. Mike Washington will become the next Principal of Stanwood High School, effective July 1.
Mike Washington has worked in public education since 2010, quickly becoming an instructional leader — training staff in new teaching strategies, implementing educational practices aligned with School Improvement Plans, and mentoring new administrators. Mike intentionally sought out the principalship at Stanwood High School. He believes his skills and experience will support SHS now and into the future.
He has served as teacher, coach, and high school administrator. Since joining Cascade High School in Everett in 2019 as assistant principal/athletic director, he has led teachers to improve programs and processes, accommodating students to reach academic success, and problem-solving to create new procedures with outstanding results.
Mr. Washington has helped establish an on-time graduation team to support students staying on schedule to earn their diploma, and he has led efforts to reduce and address harassment, intimidation and bullying. Additionally, Mr. Washington has directed schoolwide safety and security programs, the Equity Team, and the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) program — all of which help to remove barriers students may face as they work toward graduation.
Mr. Washington served 20 years in the U.S. Navy before launching his teaching career. Mr. Washington holds a Master’s degree and Principal certification from Seattle Pacific University, a Special Education teaching credential from Seattle Pacific University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Southern New Hampshire University.
He lives in Burlington with his wife, Rebecca Washington, and they have two grown sons.
“I applied because I know Stanwood has always been an intriguing place to me when I used to visit there when I was the head boys basketball coach at Oak Harbor High School. I was always treated with respect and dignity,” Mr. Washington said. “I bring to Stanwood a lot of hope, passion, enthusiasm, grace, a great work ethic, and a growth mindset to continue to develop and improve teaching and learning for ALL students and staff to prepare our students for life after high school.
“When I think of being the principal of Stanwood High School, all I can say is what I feel in my heart: LOVE,” he continued. “I look forward to being here for many years to come, and I look forward to connecting with everyone in the school, district, and community. Thank you all for allowing me the opportunity to serve you!”
The search — which reopened in early February — began because after 17 years as principal at Stanwood High School, Christine Del Pozo will transition to the role of Executive Director of Human Resources for Stanwood-Camano School District on July 1. Del Pozo replaces Maurene Stanton, who is retiring June 30 after 9 years as the Executive Director of Human Resources for the District.
During the hiring process, Stanwood High School students and the community provided input and feedback via surveys and community meetings that helped guide the search.
Stanwood High School is home to about 1,250 students and about 120 staff members.