Christine Tripp new assistant principal

 


Homecoming at La Conner schools will be earlier than usual this year.

That is true, at least, for the district’s new assistant principal and athletics director.

School Board members last week hired La Conner alum Christine Bruffy Tripp, currently the principal at Concrete High School, to return to her alma mater starting July 1.

The board decision was unanimous, with member Lynette Bruffy Cram – Tripp’s sister – recusing herself from the vote.

Tripp previously served an administrative internship at La Conner schools, middle and high school principal Kathy Herrera reminded board members during their 90-minute Zoom meeting on April 26.

Herrera had filled the assistant principal-athletics director position upon her arrival at La Conner Schools. She was promoted to her present post following the resignation of former principal Todd Torgeson last spring.

Tripp was selected from a competitive field of nearly two dozen applicants, said Superintendent Rich Stewart.

“We had good interest in the position, which is a good thing for the La Conner School District,” Stewart said. “The cream of the crop rose up in our estimation.”

Tripp and two other finalists underwent interviews with both student and staff panels,.

Tripp, one of six children of La Conner area residents Steve and Margaret Bruffy, has traveled widely and developed an impressive resume since her graduation here. She earned her bachelor’s in zoology from the University of Rhode Island. Tripp earned a teaching certificate at the University of West Florida and received a master’s in education leadership from Western Washington University.

She and husband Shawn, a retired U.S. Coast Guard helicopter pilot, returned with their children, Elizabeth and Spencer, who are now adults, to the Skagit Valley eight years ago.

“As an educator,” Tripp told the Weekly News, “I have served in many capacities, as an attendance clerk, volunteer coordinator, para-educator, registrar, coach, teacher assistant, teacher and administrator. I have been privileged and humbled spending the majority of my life working with and serving students and their families.

“I am grateful,” she added, “for the opportunity to serve the community that I grew up in and look forward to connecting with new and reconnecting with classic La Conner Braves.”

The district will also fill its business manager vacancy. Stewart said that selection process has been narrowed to two finalists, one whose expertise is in finance and the other whose background is in human relations.

“Both are good candidates,” he said.

Also at the meeting:

• The board moved to change the start time for its public meetings to 5 p.m.

• Herrera announced plans to hold high school commencement exercises outside at Whittaker Field June 18 at 5 p.m. A senior downtown car parade, as was done last year, is tentatively set for June 16, she said.

• Stewart and district maintenance director Brian Masonholder addressed immediate and long-range facilities upgrade plans for the district. The first long-range projects are roofing and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning). This summer, the focus will be replacing aging siding and painting. “Painting is not too costly,” Stewart said, “but it must be done. What we want to do is refresh the district a little bit.”

• Stewart said they will meet this week with Swinomish Tribal Community leaders regarding new state legislation banning use by public schools of Native American mascots unless the nearest tribe is consulted and authorizes use of the name. Sports teams have for decades been named the Braves. The original team name was Malemutes.

 

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