Citing personal family needs, Kalama School District Superintendent Eric Nerison submitted a formal letter of resignation to the Kalama School Board on Monday.
In a message to staff, Nerison explained that he plans to relocate to the Puget Sound area this summer to be closer to family. In anticipation of the move, he has accepted a position as Executive Director of Student Services at South Kitsap School District.
Nerison, who has served as Superintendent in Kalama since 2015, will remain in his current role through the rest of the school year. His last day in the district will be on Friday, June 30.
“For me, this is a bittersweet change,” Nerison said. “I came to Kalama with the mindset that this would be my ‘last stop’ as an educator. Unfortunately, life circumstances, including personal needs within my family, have forced me to reconsider my original plan.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you, our students, and their families, and equally grateful for your support, the support of the school board, and the support of our community and many community leaders,” he added. “I will greatly miss the many people who make Kalama a great place to live, learn and do business, and I will always reflect on my time as a Kalama Chinook with fondness and gratitude.”
In the coming days, the school board will formalize the search process for a new superintendent for the 2023-2024 school year and beyond. Opportunities will be provided for school staff, families, and community members to be involved in that process.
“Eric has represented us well in the community,” remarked Board Chair Wesley Eader. “He has been strategic, proactive, positive and collaborative, seasoned with his sense of humor. All in all, he has provided positive leadership, and we will miss him in Kalama. Eric is leaving the district in good shape for his successor to be able to build upon.”
If you have any questions about this transition period at the district or the search for a new superintendent, please reach out to the district office during school hours at (360) 673-5282.