South Whidbey Elementary Hears From Three Principal Finalists at Public Forum

Three candidates made their cases to lead South Whidbey Elementary School at a public forum held March 5, with the district set to announce its selection this Friday, March 13.

Mary Helen Bever, Kristin Codda and Jordan Young emerged as finalists from a "large number of candidates" who originally applied, according to South Whidbey School District Superintendent Becky Clifford. Community members who attended the two-hour forum, held in person at South Whidbey Elementary and available via Zoom from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., were asked to fill out a survey, and that public feedback "will be reviewed before a decision is made," Clifford said.

Each candidate received 30 minutes to introduce themselves and then field four prepared questions covering how they would foster trust within the community, create a safe learning environment, lead through transition, and share their vision for the future. Any time remaining went to audience questions.

Codda, currently an assistant principal at South Whidbey Elementary, is the only internal finalist for the position and brings the deepest roots on the South End, having been part of that community since 2012. Her path into education began shortly after high school, when work in a private childhood education setting led her to realize she had a "real connection to students that had some learning differences," an experience that motivated her to pursue a degree in special education. Eleven of her 26 years in education have been spent at the elementary level. Codda said that working at a "small, independent school" taught her that educational leadership is the "lifeblood" of day-to-day operations, a lesson she carried with her when she moved into public education.

Bever currently serves as an assistant principal at Discovery Elementary in Everett. Born and raised in Seattle, she said her family has visited Whidbey since her mother's childhood. She told the forum audience she "learned early on that education opens doors," a conviction she works to instill in students.

Jordan Young rounds out the three finalists. Detailed biographical information about Young was not available at press time.

The district's hiring timeline moves quickly from here. Clifford has said the selection announcement is planned for Friday, March 13, following the review of community survey responses gathered at the forum.