"We are excited for Mr. Grissom and this career opportunity," said Bellingham Superintendent Kenneth Vedra. "Gordon has worked in many roles in our school system. First as a classroom teacher and now as an administrator, he has both modeled and led best instructional practices. We will miss Gordon, but wish him all the best."

 Grissom has 25 years in public education, 19 of those in Bellingham School District.

"I will always be appreciative of the people with whom I have worked in Bellingham -- as a teacher, as an administrator and as a parent.  The Bellingham Schools represent the best in public education," Grissom said. "While I am excited about this new chapter in my life, I feel fortunate to have been a part of such a quality school system."

Grissom became principal at Kulshan in 2005, working there as assistant principal from 2002-2005 and as an administrative intern during the 2001-02 school year. He taught eighth grade at Kulshan from 1994-2002 and sixth grade at Whatcom Middle School from 1989-1994. Prior to coming to Bellingham, Grissom taught at the American School of Quito in Ecuador from 1996-1998 and sixth grade at Chinook Middle School in Chehalis from 1983-1989.

He earned his bachelor's degree from Seattle Pacific University and his master's in education from Western Washington University as well as his certification of school administration.