Sultan School Board announced last week that the district’s superintendent is departing, issuing a brief statement that defers further explanation to an upcoming meeting.
The board held a special session on Sept. 15, during which it accepted the superintendent’s resignation, submitted that same day. Immediately following the vote, the panel named Paul Douglas, a former assistant superintendent, to serve in the role on an interim basis. Douglas brings 33 years of experience in education, seven of which were spent with the Sultan School District.
Board officials acknowledged that the transition could prompt questions from residents, stating that a full update on the change and subsequent steps would be provided during the regular business meeting on Sept. 28, 2026. The statement noted that any significant developments arising prior to that date would be communicated to the community as appropriate.
A spokesperson for the Sultan School District said the outgoing superintendent had no comment regarding the matter.
The former superintendent began his tenure with the district on July 1 of the previous year, having previously led the Blaine School District for six years in northwest Washington, near the Canadian border. He had entered into a three-year contract with the district carrying an annual salary of $230,000.
The district expressed appreciation for the superintendent's leadership and dedication to students and staff, asking the community to join in thanking him for his contributions while wishing him well in future pursuits.
The next Sultan School Board meeting is set for 6 p.m. Monday at the Sky Valley Transportation Cooperative building, 32900 Cascade View Drive in Sultan. A community gathering titled "Supper with the Superintendent," featuring Douglas, is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 19 at the same location.