When schools open on Sept. 2, there will be a number of new faces in Lake Washington School District schools in Kirkland. The openings resulted from replacements for retirees in schools or the district office or principals accepting positions in other districts.

New principals for 2014-2015:

International Community School / Community School

Gregory Moncada is the new principal at International Community School (grades 6-12) and Community School (grades 1-5), in Kirkland. Gregory served as the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) coordinator for the Bainbridge Island School District. Previously, he was the high school principal at the American International School of Vienna, Austria. He was also the assistant director and middle school principal at the American International School of Johannesburg, South Africa. He taught in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Bilbao, Spain. Gregory began his career as a teacher in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Zoology and his Master of Arts in Science Education from Louisiana State University. He earned his administrative certification from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania and his Doctor of Education from the University of Minnesota. Gregory replaces Matt Livingston, who has been selected to serve as the new director of school support for the Eastlake Learning Community (see below).

New associate principals for 2014-2015:

Kirkland Middle School

Julie Dixon has been selected as the new associate principal at Kirkland Middle School. Julie comes to Lake Washington School District from Evergreen School District in Vancouver, Wash. Julie has been an educator for 18 years. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Oregon State University and received a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction and an administrative certificate from City University. Julie has taught many subjects at the middle school level, including Humanities, Reading, Physical Education, Social Studies and Special Ed. Transition. She has extensive experience in professional development. She has been an instructional coach at the district and building level. Julie replaces Seth Adams, who accepted a position as the principal of Issaquah Middle School.

New central office staff

Associate Superintendent of School and Student Support Services

Jon Holmen is the new associate superintendent of school and student support services. Jon replaced Heather Sinclair, who retired. Jon has been serving as the director of school support for the Redmond Learning Community.

Director of Curriculum

Mike VanOrden is the new director of curriculum. Mike comes to LWSD from the Shoreline School District, where he served as Highland Terrace Elementary School principal. Mike has served as a building administrator at all levels – elementary, middle, and high school – in both Edmonds and Shoreline for the past 10 years. Prior to school administration, Mike was a high school science/AP science teacher, department chair and district science coordinator in California, then in Mercer Island. He has also held curriculum-related positions for the California Department of Education. Mike earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Humboldt State University in California and his Master of Education in Educational Administration and principal certification from Western Washington University.

Director of Student Services

Matt Gillingham is the new director of student services (see Kirkland Middle School, above). In this role, Matt will oversee student discipline/hearings, the district’s athletics and activities program and will serve as the district’s Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying compliance officer.