Dear VPS Staff and Families,
We want to share an important update about the leadership of our school district. As Superintendent Dr. Jeff Snell prepares to step into a new role leading the Washington Association of School Administrators, the Board of Directors has selected Associate Superintendent Brett Blechschmidt, who is also our current Chief Financial Officer, to serve as Interim Superintendent for the 2025–26 school year.
Mr. Blechschmidt has served our district for 11 years in his current role following 19 years with the Educational Service District 112. With a strong commitment to student-centered decision making, staff collaboration, reliable systems, dependability and continuity, he is well-prepared to provide steady leadership to our staff, students and families during this transition. Our primary focus this year will be to maintain the district’s stability, continue progress on our strategic plan, and support the staff and students who carry out this important work each day.
The VPS Board of Directors will soon be posting a Request For Proposals (RFP) to select a search firm partner to support the permanent superintendent search process–with the goal of having a new leader in place for the 2026-27 school year. The board is prioritizing a search process that will include multiple ways for students, staff, families, and community members to share what qualities and priorities matter most in our next superintendent. We will share more about the process and the community input opportunities after the search partner is selected.
To ensure a fair and open process, both the Board and Mr. Blechschmidt have agreed that he will not be a candidate for the permanent superintendent position.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we take this important next step together.