Keith Schacht from Bellevue High School will be the new principal at Squalicum High School effective July 1, following his appointment by the Bellingham School District Board of Directors at the May 22 meeting.   

"We are pleased that Mr. Schacht will join our leadership team," says Bellingham School District Superintendent Kenneth Vedra. "He brings a passion for working closely with students, staff and families, and success as an instructional leader."

Schacht has 15 years of experience as a high school teacher, high school administrator and curriculum writer. He has served as Bellevue High School assistant principal since 2006, as assistant principal at Interlake High School in Bellevue from 2005-06, and as assistant principal of Newport High School in Bellevue from 2001-2005. Previously, he was a teacher leader and social studies teacher at Newport High School and an English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor at Seattle Pacific University and abroad. He also has experience administering the Achievement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, Advanced Placement (AP) program, International Baccalaureate program (IB) and the IB Middle Years Program (MYP).

"I believe in contributing to my community and can think of no greater honor than to help make Bellingham School District a place where all students achieve at their highest level and are prepared for success," Schacht says. "I have a personal interest in working collaboratively at Squalicum to foster a safe, healthy, equitable and rigorous education for our community of learners."

Schacht earned his administrator's training and certification from the University of Washington and City University, his master's degree from Seattle University and his bachelor's degree from Western Washington University. He is a graduate of Sehome High School, and attended Whatcom Middle School and Roosevelt Elementary School.

The district's selection process for this position included two interview teams of students, school staff, administrators, parents and community members, an interview with the superintendent, and site visits to Bellevue High School and Interlake High School.