- Stories Across the Agency
UPDATE: Following the guidance of Public Health Seattle and King County and implementing preventive and responsive strategies, the upcoming Regional Art Show scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, 2020 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at PSESD has now been CANCELED.
If you take a stroll around the hallways of the Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) building in Renton, Washington, you’re sure to be amazed by the beautiful artwork you find around every corner.
Each year PSESD hosts the Regional High School Art Show, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to highlight the creativity and ingenuity of our local students. Student applicants have a chance at moving forward to the 47th Annual State High School Art Show in Olympia, where their artwork will be highlighted with student submissions from across the state.
For this installment of Stories Across the Agency, we reached out to Project Manager Susanne McIntyre to learn a bit more about the upcoming art show and reflect on her history of working with PSESD.
PSESD: Thanks for your willingness to share with Stories Across the Agency! Can you tell us a bit about your current role at the agency?
Susanne McIntyre (SM): I am currently a Project Manager for LTFS. My two big projects are coordinating the AESD Conference which we are hosting this year and the Regional High School Art Show. Like everyone, I also have some other duties as assigned.
The Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD) is an organization consisting of board members from the nine ESDs across Washington. Their mission is to provide communication and coordination among ESD Boards for educational advocacy; for fostering leadership and partnerships; and for collaboration within the educational community. They hold a conference annually for board members and hosting duties rotate amongst the ESDs. We last hosted 10 years ago.
PSESD: Can you share a bit more about the AESD conference? What is the theme, and what are ESD leaders going to learn by attending?
SM: The theme of this year’s AESD Conference is “Building Racially Just and Humanizing School Systems.” We are also focusing on student voice. Instead of following the traditional mold of having students participate as performers, local students will serve as emcees, participate on panels and share stories. Our program includes a Living Voices performance by coworker Dior Davenport; a spoken word performance by Tacoma native Christian Paige; and a keynote by the nationally renowned filmmaker Shakti Butler. Our goal is for our ESD leaders to examine their own journey toward equity and build strategies that awaken the possibilities of change. The AESD Conference is a small conference that allows for in-depth conversations and work amongst ESD Board members.
Our goal is for our ESD leaders to examine their own journey toward equity and build strategies that awaken the possibilities of change.
PSESD: How long have you been working with the agency?
I have worked with PSESD for about 13 years. I am a boomerang – I worked in the Burien office and then left to stay home with my children. I was lucky enough to be able to return to PSESD when my daughters started school.
PSESD: What attracted you to working with the agency?
SM: Before joining PSESD, I worked for U.S. Bank in their corporate offices. I was feeling unmotivated by the singular corporate focus on making money. I wanted to be somewhere I felt proud of the work being done. Education has always been important to me and after having children, I truly understood the value of quality preschool and childcare.
PSESD: When faced with challenges at work, what keeps you motivated?
SM: I learned a life lesson at a PSLA meeting led by James Whitfield. He talked about using "the most generous interpretation" with people. I usually give myself a lot of grace, but I am not always that generous with others. Through James' teaching, I realized I need to check my reactions and consider what might be motivating someone's behavior. This technique has diffused many situations.
PSESD: What is your favorite part about your current role?
SM: There are many things I like about my current role, and I can narrow it down to the two best. The first is working with the PSESD Board. I have really enjoyed getting to know them better as we plan the AESD conference. They are committed to our Agency and our work. I am happy to say that I have developed several new friendships. The other part I enjoy is working with teachers and students for the Art Show. They are so excited to participate, and their artwork is amazing. It has been inspiring.
PSESD: Speaking of which–we’re excited about the upcoming Regional High School Art Show hosted at PSESD! Can you tell us a bit about the show?
SM: The Regional High School Art Show is an exciting time for PSESD. It is a competition open to students enrolled in grades 9-12 in any public or state-approved private school, as well as home-schooled students, in the PSESD region. Artwork is judged on creativity, composition, and technique by local artists and community partners. The top seven pieces from public high schools advance to OSPI’s Annual Superintendent’s High School Art Show. Local cities, our staff, the Superintendent and our PSESD Board also judge the art and give awards. Our Agency is fortunate to be able to purchase several pieces each year to add to our collection.
“Stories Across the Agency” is a bi-monthly column dedicated to the stories of the people who make up Puget Sound ESD. With over 100 programs across King County, Pierce County, and Bainbridge Island, our goal is to share the experiences of staff throughout the agency to increase awareness around the collective impact of our work.