Bethel School District Superintendent Chris Parra has announced her retirement, effective at the end of the current school year. This news was shared at Monday night’s School Board meeting.
Chris will leave big shoes to fill because in her 5 years as Superintendent she has done – and continues to do – so much.
Chris has established an impressive record of success in a wide variety of positions over her 32 year career in education:
- Before becoming the 7th Superintendent – and first woman Superintendent – in Bethel, she served as a middle and elementary school teacher, elementary and middle school principal, Special Services Director, Human Resources Director, Bethel’s Director of Teaching and Learning, and Assistant Superintendent.
- Chris has written and co-written many grants that have funded important programs in Bethel, all of which had significant impacts to improve instruction and student learning.
- She was instrumental in the expansion of the KITS program in Bethel, bringing early childhood and parent education opportunities to more of our families.
- Chris has been an active participant in community agencies, advocating for and keeping the voices and needs of Bethel students and families ever-present.
- Chris has led the District through difficult but important changes that have markedly improved equity for students in all grades.
Chris has displayed a high level of integrity as Superintendent, with an unfailing devotion to all children.
Meanwhile, the Bethel School Board has decided it will have an open search for the next Superintendent. The Board will form a search committee which will seek input from staff and the community. A timeline for naming a new Superintendent has yet to be determined.