Members of the Bellevue community had the opportunity to get to know one of three finalists being considered for the Superintendent position today, via a community forum that took place at International High School this morning. Facilitated by Director of Communications and Community Engagement Jacque Coe and Board President Paul Mills, the forum touched on a number of questions submitted to the Bellevue School District both online and from the live audience.

Speaking to the many achievements already made by the Bellevue School District, Superintendent candidate Dr. Alex P. Apostle emphasized the importance of collaborating between parents and staff as a means to improved the already “gold standard” district. A first generation Greek-American, Dr. Apostle also addressed his appreciation for the diversity in the Bellevue, and his vision to build upon the resources already available to students and parents facing language barriers.

“Diversity is strength and power,” Apostle said. “And having people feel they are a part of the community will really help us.”

Additional topics discussed were affirmative action, gifted programming and the arts – all of which Apostle explained would remain top priorities if he is to be selected as the district’s new superintendent.

Citing the high standards and expectations set by the Bellevue community in regard to public education, Apostle made clear that teaching and learning are key objectives, and with the resources available in Bellevue, he truly believes he can help to make the Bellevue School District the best in the country.

“If the district has a clear vision – if teaching and learning are the top priority [and] the practices and strategies support that vision, that’s key.”

Apostle has been the Superintendent of Missoula County Public Schools since July 2008. Prior to Missoula, Apostle served as Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education in the Tacoma Public Schools.  Apostle also served as Principal of Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma, Riverview High School in the Finley Public Schools near Kennewick, Sedro-Woolley High School in Sedro-Woolley, and Liberty High School in Issaquah.

Apostle will spend the remainder of today being interviewed by the Bellevue School Board of Directors. Those interested in learning more about Apostle’s experience in Missoula, as well as his previous experience in the Northwest, are welcome to attend a second community forum taking place at 6:30 p.m. at International High School.

Day two of the finalist interviews will begin at 7 a.m. tomorrow with candidate Dr. Mark Mitrovich. Videos of each candidate at the evening Community Forum will also be posted on the website the day after the forum; e-mail feedback on each candidate will be accepted at board@bsd405.org Subject line: Supt. Finalist [insert candidates’ last name].