Seattle School Board Picks Interim Superintendent

The Seattle School Board voted unanimously Friday to make Larry Nyland the interim schools chief to replace outgoing Superintendent Jose Banda.

Nyland retired as superintendent in Marysville in 2013 after nine years. He spent the last year as a consultant on superintendent evaluations.

Seattle School Board President Sharon Peaslee said she was impressed by Nyland’s reputation. "It’s a relentless focus on equity and on ensuring the success of all students and doing whatever it takes to ensure all students have the support they need to succeed," Peaslee said.

Nyland said he’s been a superintendent in different districts for 23 years. "So yes, I’ve had some experience from the school of hard knocks, and God has blessed me with some skills and some experiences that I am glad to be able to share with the great staff here and continue the good work that’s being done in Seattle," he said after the vote.

The Sacramento City Unified School Board voted 6-1 Thursday to offer Banda that district's superintendent position.

Nyland is expected to serve as interim Seattle superintendent for the next year.

The Seattle School Board will likely spend much of the upcoming school year searching for a new permanent schools chief.