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Coffee Chats: The State of K-12 Public Education
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January 23 • 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Virtual on Zoom
Cost
Free with RSVP
Contact
RaechelM@EconomicAllianceSC.org
Coffee Chats
The State of K-12 Public Education
Topic
In honor of International Day of Education, join us for a virtual discussion centered around the current state and future of K-12 public education in Snohomish County. Presented by Herald Media and Brent Planning Solutions, this event aims to foster an open dialogue among key stakeholders, educators, and community leaders regarding the challenges, innovations, and opportunities within our K-12 public educational system.
Coffee Chats are virtual and free to attend. RSVP to receive a link to join the livestream via Zoom.
Meet Our Panel
Dr. Rob Baumgartner
Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, Payroll & Banefits, Edmonds School District
Dr. Rob Baumgartner is the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Payroll, & Benefits with the Edmonds School District. He has served Edmonds in a variety of roles for the last twenty-four years. These roles include teacher, school principal, and executive director of curriculum and instruction. He completed his doctoral work at the University of Washington's Leadership for Learning program. Rob has expertise in workforce diversification, central office leadership, and high-quality instruction.
Kay Fantin
Executive Director, Everett Public Schools Foundation
Kay Fantin has been the Executive Director for the Everett Public Schools Foundation since May of 2019. She studied Elementary Education at the University of Victoria in Victoria, B.C.
After retiring from the Nordstrom leadership after 31 years, she joined the YMCA of Greater Seattle as Engagement Director. Kay also worked as Engagement Director for United Way of Snohomish County. Additionally, she served as a board member for the Spokane Visitors & Convention Center.
Kay has a passion for making sure all students have equal opportunities to be successful in school, knowing how critical this is for their future sucess.
Alyssa Jackson
Director, Snohomish STEM Network / Co-Director of Career Connect Northwest
With over 12 years of experience in education and labor, and a passion for career connected learning, Alyssa is dedicated to bridging the gap between education and business sectors. Her expertise involves fostering collaborative partnerships to create equitable opportunities for students, preparing them for success in high-demand industries. Holding a Master of Science in Information Technology & Administrative Management, Alyssa is dedicated to supporting career connected learning through education and future workforce development.
Wil Johnson
Director, Equity & Inclusion, Snohomish School District
Wil brings almost 30 years of experience in team building, leadership, conflict management, and delivery of instruction across various fields to his current work. He has filled numerous roles which included teaching while in the army, supporting students in college preparation programs, coaching debate and football, serving as a special education teacher, behavior interventionist, education, equity, and communication consultant, and as a district level administrator serving multiple schools and communities. Wil is also the creator and host of the At-homish Podcast where the content and conversation centers on creating spaces where we belong.
As a bridge-builder and coach, he believes his true calling is helping people get from where they are to where they want to be. He is currently serving the Snohomish School District as the Director of Equity and Inclusion. In this role, he works to ensure that our schools and greater community are safe and welcoming for each and every student while also working to provide access to supports and resources to reach their goals in public education and beyond.
Dr. Ian Saltzman
Superintendent, Everett Public Schools
Dr. Ian B. Saltzman was selected superintendent of Everett Public Schools in 2019. During the first three years of his leadership, Everett not only successfully pivoted to remote learning, including managing the first COVID student case in the nation, but underwent a major cultural shift, launched a new website and a new strategic plan, and refocused on consistent instruction with new Instructional Reviews. He is focused on student achievement and through the new strategic plan work has seen an increase in test scores, social and emotional ratings and graduation rates.
Prior to leading Everett Public Schools, Dr. Saltzman served twenty-nine years in the Palm Beach County School District. He has been privileged to hold the following titles: Exceptional Education Teacher at Loggers Run Middle School, Assistant Principal of Lake Worth Middle School, Principal of North Grade Elementary, Carver Middle School, Palm Beach Central High School and Lake Worth High School; Area Director of Accountability, Transformational Area Superintendent, Area 5 Superintendent and South Region Superintendent. He has documented evidence of moving schools to better performance and student success. Dr. Saltzman has a passion for all students reaching their potential and fulfilling their dreams.