“I’m just so appreciative of this community,” he said. “It really is a remarkable community that supports schools, and it would be a lot harder to do what we do without that support.”
Lahmann, 62, has served at the helm of the 9,100-student district since July 2001.
During his tenure, the district has passed several levy and bond proposals, launched multiple alternative learning programs, including the Olympia Regional Learning Academy, and dealt with severe cuts in state and federal funding.
“He’s been a huge advocate for the Olympia School District and has helped our district navigate some very difficult situations,” said Chris Woods, principal of Capital High School in Olympia. “Our kids have seen very few reductions in their day, I think mainly because of the work he’s done.”
Lahmann grew up in the tiny town of Stevenson, near the Columbia River Gorge.
He began his 41-year career in education as a teacher in the Tumwater School District.
Lahmann’s work experience stretched far beyond the classroom walls: he was a labor relations mediator for the Public Employment Relations Commission, a research analyst for the House of Representatives and an assistant executive director of the Washington Association of School Administrators.
He’s also past superintendent of South Kitsap School District, past superintendent of the Eatonville School District, and former assistant superintendent of the University Place School District.
David Johnston, president of the Olympia School District, said Lahmann leaves a legacy of collaboration and honesty.
“He’s done a lot to improve the district,” Johnston said. “He’s done a lot to support education for students and he’s done a lot to support employees and staff.”
Olympia School Board president Allen Miller said he wasn’t surprised by the announcement because Lahmann’s wife recently retired.
However, Miller said he’s sorry to see Lahmann leave the district.
“I think he’s done a great job,” Miller said. “His main priority is to continue making the Olympia district a world class district – one of the best in the world.”
Lahmann said timing played a huge factor in his decision.
“I think the school district is in really, really good shape,” he said. “We’ve got a wonderful school board and I have an administrative team that I think is second to none.”
Lahmann said he’s hoping voters will approve the district’s four-year levy and bond requests on the Feb. 14 so that the transition will be smooth for his replacement.
“I just want to set it up so the person who follows me can focus on curriculum, learning and kids,” he said. “I hope to have everything in place for them.”
The Olympia School Board will need to decide on the process of hiring a new superintendent, Miller said. School boards often hire consulting firms to perform national searches.
Meantime, Lahmann said he’s looking forward to some downtime next summer.
He said he began work in sixth grade, on his uncle’s wheat farm, and hasn’t taken a break from school or work since.
“I’m going to take some time and kick back and see how things go,” Lahmann said. “My wife and I want to do a little traveling and kind of settle down – and see what there is to do out there.”
Lisa Pemberton: 360-754-5433 lpemberton@theolympian.com www.theolympian.com/edblog
