2022-23 Leadership Announcements

A collaborative leader who's focused on staff and student learning has been chosen as the next director of professional development and assessment for the Kennewick School District.

Tina Brewer, who's currently the district's math and science coordinator, starts on July 1. She replaces Lori Butler, who's retiring.

"As an experienced teacher and district-level curriculum specialist, Tina understands the professional development needs of all staff. She is also focused on the role of assessment in instructional design and evaluation, which will be valuable to the district. We are excited to have her move into this position," said Matt Scott, assistant superintendent of curriculum, assessment and professional development.

Brewer joined the district in 1993, and she's worked as a teacher, a mentor through the Peer Assistance and Resources (PAR) program, and as math and science coordinator. She's also served as an adjunct professor at Columbia Basin College in Pasco.

Brewer holds a Bachelor of Arts in K-8 education, K-12 reading and early childhood education from Central Washington University and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University. She's set to complete her educational leadership certification from Washington State University in July 2022.

An experienced school leader who strives to create strong partnerships with colleagues and the community and who works to ensure learning gains and post-secondary success for all students has been chosen as the next assistant principal of Kennewick High School.

Stacy Estes, who's currently an assistant principal at Walla Walla High Schools, starts on July 1. He replaces Chad Littrell, who's set to become the district's next assistant director of special services.

"Stacy is an experienced school leader who excels at building positive relationships with students, staff and parents," said Principal Ron King. "He's a great fit for Kennewick High and will immediately be able to contribute to our ongoing efforts to make our school an accepting and welcoming place for everyone."

Estes has been assistant principal of Walla Walla High School for 11 years. Before that, he spent nine years as assistant principal of McLoughlin Middle School in Pasco. He's also served as dean of students and intervention coordinator at Pasco High School, taught special education in the Bethel School District in Pierce County, and served as an adjunct education professor at Washington State University Tri-Cities.

Estes holds bachelor's degrees in psychology and secondary education from Eastern Washington University and master's degrees in professional development education and educational administration from Heritage University. He also holds a principal certification from Heritage.

A seasoned school leader who strives to collaboratively serve students, staff, families and the community as a whole has been chosen as Kennewick School District's new director of secondary education.

Rhonda Pratt, who's currently principal of Chief Joseph Middle School in Richland, starts on July 1. She replaces Jack Anderson, assistant superintendent of secondary education, who's retiring.

“We are excited to have Rhonda join our district. She is an experienced building leader who has been successful in building collaborative cultures and brings a strong background in supporting the implementation and improvement in instructional practices at the building level," said Matt Scott, assistant superintendent of curriculum, assessment and professional development. "Rhonda is committed to engaging with secondary principals in the further development of their leadership capacity and supporting their work towards continuous improvement to provide students with outstanding educational opportunities.”

As director of secondary education, Pratt will work with district and building leaders to develop and implement systems to support instructional leadership, school improvement and success for all students.

Pratt has been principal of Chief Joseph Middle School since 2019.

Before that, she was principal of Tapteal Elementary in West Richland from 2008 to 2019 and assistant principal of Hanford High School in Richland from 2003-2008. She also worked as a high school teacher for eight years.

Pratt holds a Bachelor of Science degree and teaching endorsements from Washington State University, a master's degree in educational technology from City University and administrative credentials from Eastern Washington University.

A Kennewick School District alum is set to be the next principal of Legacy, Endeavor and Phoenix high schools and the Juvenile Justice Center. 

C.D. Williams starts on July 1, replacing Paul Osborne, who's resigning.

"We are fortunate to find C.D. He is passionate about kids and excited to begin his journey at Legacy, Phoenix, Endeavor and the Juvenile Justice Center," said Jack Anderson, assistant superintendent of secondary education. "C.D. comes to us with a wide range of experiences and talents. He is eager to connect to families, students and staff. We are very honored to welcome C.D. to the Kennewick School District."

Williams is currently principal of Kiona-Benton City Intermediate School, a position he's held since 2017. Before that, he was assistant principal, athletic director and ASB advisor at Kiona-Benton City Middle School for three years, and he spent eight years as a middle school math teacher in the Pasco School District. He also previously served as acting administrator and taught English, history and math at Jubilee Christian Academy.

Williams, who graduated from Kamiakin High School, has a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Eastern Washington University and a master's degree in teaching and educational leadership from Heritage University. He also holds an administrative certification from Heritage.

Southridge High School's next assistant principal and athletic director is an experienced administrator and coach who strives to engage with students, families, staff and the community as a whole.

Rick Wells starts on July 1, replacing Tim Wood, who's resigning.

"Rick brings a passion for athletics and activities that is contagious. His focus will be on promoting and building culture that connects students and families to Southridge. He is data driven, organized and excited to work in his dream job. We are proud to welcome him into the Southridge family,” said Principal Molly Hamaker-Teals. 

Wells currently serves as an assistant principal at Hermiston High School, and he previously served as the school's dean of students.

Before moving into school leadership, he worked as a teacher for about a decade at Hermiston High and other schools in Oregon and Idaho. He also has extensive coaching experience, including serving as assistant head football coach at Hermiston High.

Wells holds a bachelor's degree in business management from Whitworth University and a master's degree in education from the University of Phoenix. He also holds an Oregon principal license.

An experienced and accomplished educator has been selected as Park Middle School's next assistant principal. Alexia Waggle starts on July 1, replacing Nathan Cummings, who's moving to a different school district.

"We look forward to having Alexia join Park’s administrative team. She is an experienced administrator whose skills and passion for kids will be an asset to our school," said Park Principal Shaun Espe-Amaya.

Waggle currently works as an assistant principal in the Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District in Newman, CA. She's also held learning director and instructional coach positions in that school district, and she's worked as a teacher in districts in Oregon and California.

Waggle holds bachelor's degrees in education and in human development and family science from Oregon State University, as well as a Master of Education degree from the school.

A lead teacher and administrative intern at Highlands Middle School has been chosen as the school's next assistant principal.

Jordan Pies starts on July 1, replacing Steve Naccarato, who's retiring.

"I am excited for Jordan to join our leadership team. His passion for kids and his background will positively contribute to the culture and growth at HMS. We are very lucky to have him on board," said Principal Lori McCord.

Pies has worked at Highlands since 2018. In 2021, he served as an acting assistant principal at the school, and he was Ridge View Elementary's summer school principal that year. He's also worked as an adjunct professor at Heritage University since 2019.

Before joining the Highlands staff, Pies was a teacher, athletic director and coach at Liberty Christian School. He also served as a chaplain at Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla, and he's a former staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force.

Pies holds a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies K-8 degree from Western Governors University, a master's degree in Christian leadership from Liberty University and he will graduate in June with a master's degree in educational leadership from Western Governors University.
 

A skilled administrator with experience leading a Kennewick School District department has been chosen as the new assistant superintendent of teaching and learning.

Alyssa St. Hilaire, who’s currently the director of federal programs, starts on July 1. She replaces Matt Scott, who’s set to become the assistant superintendent of K-12, starting July 1.

As assistant superintendent, St. Hilaire will lead the teaching and learning team to oversee curriculum, professional development, assessment, Career & Technical Education (CTE), and federal programs.

“Alyssa is well-prepared to take on this role,” said Dr. Traci Pierce, superintendent. “Her knowledge and expertise, passion for serving students and families, and collaborative approach in supporting schools and staff will be beneficial in helping us to achieve our goals for all students.”

St. Hilaire said that, “as a lifelong community member, I look forward to serving the school district in this role and supporting the teaching and learning of our staff and students."

St. Hilaire has been director of federal programs since 2019.

In that role, she oversees and implements the district’s federal programs, including Title I, II, III and IV, and she supervises family engagement practices, the district’s Migrant and Bilingual programs, and the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, or ECEAP.

Before that, St. Hilaire served as the district’s bilingual coordinator from 2014 to 2019, and she was principal of Highlands Middle School from 2011 to 2014.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education degree (Spanish major, mathematics minor) from Eastern Washington University, a master’s degree in Spanish language and literature from the University of Northern Iowa and administration credentials from Heritage University.

An experienced school leader has been chosen as Kennewick School District's next assistant director of special services. 

Chad Littrell, who's currently an assistant principal at Kennewick High, starts on July 1. He replaces Dr. Jennifer Allen, who's leaving the district.

"Chad brings a wealth of administrative experience and a passion for students who are receiving special services. We're excited about all he'll bring to our team," said Lexie Buschbach, director of special services.

Littrell has been an assistant principal at Kennewick High since 2016. He also previously held assistant principal posts at Clover Park and Federal Way high schools and served as Federal Way High's interim principal.

Before becoming an administrator, Littrell was a school counselor. He also has a background in law enforcement, working as a Tacoma Police dispatcher and a law enforcement specialist in the U.S. Air Force.

Littrell holds a bachelor's degree in human development from Azusa Pacific University, a master's degree in counseling from University of Puget Sound and an administrator certification from University of Washington-Tacoma.

Two experienced educators are set to join Kamiakin High School's administration team as assistant principals. Read on to learn more about Katie Mauseth and Fatima Scotto-Rodriguez.

Katie Mauseth, who’s currently dean of students at Bryan High School in Omaha, Neb., will come on board July 1 as an assistant principal. 

“Katie is a proven leader who brings a wealth of skill, experience and knowledge. We know that she’ll be a great asset to our Kamiakin Braves team,” Principal Chris Chelin said.

Mauseth has served as Bryan High's dean of students since 2021. 

Before that, she was a curriculum specialist and academic data representative at Burke High School in Omaha for six years. She’s also worked as a classroom teacher at Burke and at Pasco High School, and she taught at the University of Nebraska Omaha.

Mauseth holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Washington University and master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction and in educational leadership from Concordia University and the University of Nebraska, respectively.

Mauseth grew up in the Tri-Cities and graduated from Pasco High.

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Fatima Scotto-Rodriguez, who currently works as a K-12 EL certificated specialist and college professor, will come on board as an assistant principal at Kamiakin on July 1.

“Fatima is a skilled and dynamic leader who’ll be a strong advocate for students. We know she will make a great addition to our Kamiakin Braves team,” Principal Chelin said.

Scotto-Rodriguez has worked as a K-12 EL certificated specialist for Yelm Community Schools since 2020. Before that, she was a Spanish and AVID instructor at Yelm High School, where she also served as World Language Department chair and ASB advisor.

Scotto-Rodriguez also is currently a diversity in education professor at Centralia College, and she's worked as an ESL instructor and Spanish tutor at Saint Martin’s University.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Portland and a master’s degree in teaching with endorsements in Spanish and ELL from Saint Martin's University.

A new assistant principal will join Desert Hills Middle School this summer, and she's a familiar face in the Kennewick School District.

Rachel Groth, who's currently an assistant principal at Kamiakin High School, will start in her new role at Desert Hills on July 1.

She'll replace Assistant Principal Dan Meyer, who's retiring.

“We look forward to welcoming Rachel to Desert Hills,” said Principal Casey Gant. “She brings administrative experience and a skill set that will help our building continue to grow. Her passion for staff and students is evident in all she does, and we look forward to adding her to our team as we continue to build on the great culture and traditions at Desert Hills.”

Groth has been an assistant principal at Kamiakin for four years. Before that, she taught for seven years at Kennewick High School, Kiona-Benton City High School and Grandview Middle School.

Groth holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and secondary education from Western Washington University, a master’s degree in literacy and a reading endorsement from Washington State University and administrative credentials from Gonzaga University.

She said she’s excited to become a Desert Hills Hawk.

“Over the last four years at Kamiakin High School, I have enjoyed building relationships with the entire Kamiakin community. I look forward to joining the Desert Hills team and building new relationships with students and staff in the upcoming school year,” she said.