Jefferson Lincoln Elementary principal David Eacker looks on as students play during recess in December 2016.
The director of special programs and assessment for the Centralia School District has announced her resignation effective June 30.
Shelley Habenicht accepted a position as principal of an elementary school in Federal Way, according to a press release from the district.
David Eacker, principal of Jefferson-Lincoln Elementary, has been named as her replacement. He will begin in his new role on July 1.
The board of directors unanimously approved his appointment on March 29.
Habenicht has served the district since July 2014. She was the first person to hold the title of director of special programs and assessment after the former office of director of teaching and learning was divided into two new positions.
“I have been very happy to have served in Centralia for these past two years and I’m proud of the work we have done in that time to improve compliance with federal and state programs, as well as our efforts to improve the English Learners program,” she said.
Habenicht also implemented a new program at the schools this year, which placed a family resource advocate in each building to serve as a liaison between the school and parents. The advocate is bilingual.
“Shelley has helped us lay a very substantial foundation for us to build solid, high performing programs on,” Superintendent Mark Davalos said. “We wish her all the best and every success in her new adventure and we thank her for her service to Centralia.”
In 2013, Eacker joined the district as assistant principal of Centralia Middle School before becoming the principal at Jefferson-Lincoln in 2014. Prior to his experience in Centralia, he was the assistant principal at both Tenino Middle School and Shelton High School.
He is bilingual, something he thinks will help him find success as he leads the English Learners programs for the district.
“I think it will be a big help and I’m trained in English language development,” Eacker said in the release, adding he’ll miss the close interactions he has with students every day. “It’s a new experience for me. I’ll be working from a different angle, but I think I bring a fresh perspective and I’m excited to get started.”
Davalos thanked the board of directors for its quick action to approve Eacker to the position.
“One of the benefits of having an internal appointee like David is that the learning curve is greatly reduced,” he said. “With Shelley in place through June and David already in the district they have many opportunities to meet, collaborate, and share wisdom.”
The search for Eacker’s replacement at Jefferson-Lincoln Elementary will begin immediately.
