PSD leaders interviewed some talented candidates and are happy to announce four candidates have been chosen as the new  deputy principals, beginning in the 2023-2024 school year. 

Danielle Fischer has been chosen as the new Deputy Principal for Harbor Heights Elementary. Kim Kinney has been chosen as the new Deputy Principal for Pioneer Elementary. Niccole Griffin has been chosen as the new Deputy Principal for Swift Water Elementary. Kelli Demonte has been chosen as the new Deputy Principal for Voyager Elementary. 

The deputy principal is an administrative position supporting the principal with all aspects of school leadership. There are five deputy principal positions being hired at our five biggest elementary schools. 

Fischer taught at the elementary level in Federal way for eight years, was an instructional coach there for two years, and has six years of administrative experience in the Bethel and Tacoma school districts.  

The members of the interview team from HHES were impressed by “Danielle’s positive energy, passion, and knowledge coupled with her background in both teaching and administration," and thought she would be a great addition to the Orca Pod.  

Kinney has five years of experience as a reading interventionist in South Kitsap, seven years of teaching experience here at Minter Creek and Discovery Elementaries, and one year of Dean of Students experience this past year at Minter Creek. 

The members of the interview team from PIES appreciated her humility and calm demeanor, along with her diverse background and experience which speaks to her passion for the work of educating youth, and thought she would be a great addition to the Pathfinder team.

Griffin has had a variety of experience in her long and successful career in public education, including 15 years as a counselor, six years as Dean of Students and three years as an Assistant Principal.  

The members of the interview team from Swift Water appreciated her strong background in Social-Emotional Behavior work and her extensive experience in principal support roles, and thought she would be a great addition to the Seal team. 

Demonte has ten years of elementary teaching experience, two years as a Dean of Students, and eight years of administrative experience in the North Thurston and Centralia School Districts. 

The members of the interview team from Voyager noted that with her confidence and experience, combined with her extensive work with behavior and mental health, Kelli would make a great addition to the Viking team. 

Please join us in welcoming these four candidates as our new deputy principals!