Seattle School Board chooses new superintendent

While the official announcement of their decision isn’t
until Wednesday, the Seattle School Board has chosen Jose
Banda as its new superintendent.

Banda has spent the last four years as superintendent of
the Anaheim City School District, which has about 20,000
students. Before that, he spent 13 years as a “secondary”
administrator,” including eight years as a high school
principal. He then served as superintendent of Planada
School District from 2002 to 2005.

Board President Michel DeBell contacted Banda over the
weekend with the decision.

“I spoke with Mr. Banda on Sunday night and told him the
Board is very interested in having him as our next leader
of Seattle Public Schools. Mr. Banda expressed his
willingness to accept the position if offered,” DeBell
said. “We believe he is a strong fit for Seattle.”

Banda will start after July 1 if the contract is appoved
on May 16.

He would replace Maria Goodloe-Johnson, who was ousted
last year in a financial scandal.

Banda was up against Steven W. Enoch, who withdrew his
candidacy Saturday night, and Sandra L. Husk, who withdrew
her candidacy Monday morning.