Konishi named Whitman’s new principal
Eric Konishi will take over as principal at Whitman Elementary School for Tacoma Public Schools (TPS) for the 2010-2011 school year. Konishi served as principal at Whittier Elementary School during the 2007-2009 school years.
He will visit the school during the next two weeks to work with faculty members and officially start his new position as your principal on July 1.
Prior to Eric’s service at Whittier, he served as assistant principal at Jennie Reed Elementary School for two years, elementary literacy facilitator for Tacoma Public Schools from 2003 to 2005 and taught for the Puyallup School District for 12 years.
During the last year, Eric spearheaded the district’s effort to establish a special school inside the Pierce County Jail and taught classes for juveniles incarcerated there.
Konishi earned his Initial Principal Certification K-12, as well as his Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Washington University, in 1991. Konishi also earned his Master of Arts degree from Western Washington University in 1994.
Chapman named Fawcett’s new principal
Mary Chapman will take over as principal at Fawcett Elementary School for the 2010-2011 school year. Chapman served as principal at Hunt Middle School during the 2008-2010 school years.
Chapman will start her new position on July 1. Chapman served as principal at Hunt for two years. Prior to that, Chapman’s Tacoma experience was as principal for McCarver Elementary School for five years, principal at Franklin Elementary School for two years, principal at Birney Elementary School for four years, principal at Hunt Middle School for two years and administrative assistant at Manitou Park Elementary School for two years.
Chapman earned her Initial Principal Certification K-12 in 1995, as well as, earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Scripps College in 1974, her Master of Arts degree from Pacific Lutheran University in 1980 and her Doctor of Education from Seattle University in 1999.
Benjamin Gauyan, Jr., new director, elementary education/Title 1-LAP
Benjamin Gauyan, Jr., former principal for the Highline School District, is the new director of elementary education/Title 1-LAP for the Tacoma Public Schools.
Gauyan will start his new position on July 1. He served as principal in Highline for nine years and assistant principal for one year. Prior to that, he served as an ELL teacher for the Highline School District for five years.
Gauyan will complete his superintendent program on June 30. He has earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from San Diego State University in 1993, his Master of Arts degree from Seattle Pacific University in 2001 and his Doctor of Education from the University of Washington in 2009.
For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 253-571-1015.