May 28, 2025

PSESD Announces New Superintendent to Start July 1, 2026
Plans for a Seamless  Leadership TransitionThe Board of Directors of the Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) is pleased to announce the appointment of the agency’s next superintendent, Dr. Gustavo Balderas, who will officially begin his leadership on July 1, 2026. Following a comprehensive national search, the Board selected Dr. Balderas for his strong alignment with the agency’s commitment to racial equity, inclusion, and educational justice. With a proven track record of driving systems-level change and building strong community partnerships, Dr. Balderas will step into a leadership role serving more than 400,000 students, nearly 300 public, private, and tribal schools, and a region rich in diversity and potential.

“The Board is excited to welcome a leader who shares our vision and brings a strong track record of advancing racial equity and closing opportunity gaps,” states PSESD Board Chair Marcella Tomlin. “Dr. Balderas’ commitment to building more racially just and inclusive school systems aligns deeply with our goals. PSESD is a trusted partner for schools, families, and communities across the region, and we are confident that our new superintendent will help us continue to grow in our impact.”

Dr. Balderas joins PSESD from the Beaverton School District, where he has served as superintendent since 2022. A nationally recognized educator, Dr. Balderas is known for his equity-driven leadership and commitment to student success, both academic and social-emotional. A first-generation son of migrant farmworkers, he brings deep personal insight into the barriers many students face, particularly those navigating poverty, language, and culture. His honors include 2020 National Superintendent of the Year, 2021 Champion for Equity Award, and 2023 National Bilingual Education Superintendent of the Year. His leadership centers on building inclusive systems and empowering students to define their own success.

Dr. Balderas previously served as superintendent in Edmonds, Eugene, Ocean View, and Madera Unified School Districts. He began his career in Hillsboro, Oregon, where he served as a teacher, counselor, principal, and district administrator. A proud graduate of Western Oregon University, Portland State University, and the University of Oregon, Dr. Balderas brings both experience and heart to the work of public education.

"I am humbled by the trust and confidence the Board of Directors has placed in me," Dr. Balderas says. "I am eager to continue the work of my predecessor, Superintendent Welch, ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education. I know, from lived experience, what a difference that access can make in a student's trajectory and attainment of their personal goals. I look forward to working with my colleagues to deepen our community connections and partnerships to support our students' success."

To ensure a thoughtful and seamless leadership transition, current superintendent John Welch will remain in his position until June 2026, and a transition timeline that accommodates both organizations will be developed. Welch, who also worked alongside his predecessor during a yearlong transition, highlights the importance of continuity and shared leadership in serving the region’s schools and families.

“I’m excited to work alongside our new superintendent during this time of transition,” says Welch. “I had the benefit of a thoughtful handoff from my predecessor, and I know how important that continuity can be. PSESD’s mission is too critical to pause or reset—we’re committed to moving forward together, with shared leadership and deep respect for the communities we serve.”

With this leadership transition, PSESD remains focused on building strong partnerships and delivering on its commitment to racially just and humanizing schools across the region.

Puget Sound Educational Service District is one of nine regional educational agencies serving school districts, tribal compact schools, and state-approved charter and private schools in Washington. Educational Service Districts, created by the legislature, are an essential regional delivery system for early learning and K-postsecondary services in the state. More information about who we are and who we serve is available on our website at http://www.psesd.org.

Historical Information on the Search Process
The Puget Sound Educational Service District Board of Directors has launched their search for the district’s next superintendent. Selecting a new superintendent is one of the most important decisions the PSESD Board of Directors can make. The Board is committed to finding the right leader for our diverse community of amazing students, staff, families, and communities.

Because hiring the right next leader for the PSESD is a critical decision, the Board is prioritizing community engagement to inform the search. The Board has selected Human Capital Enterprises to facilitate a comprehensive recruitment and selection process with the goal of having the next superintendent begin work July 1, 2025.

The search process will proceed in the following sequence:

1. Planning (Completed): Selecting a search firm, finalizing a search timeline, and acting on a recommended search process with regular updates to the community.
2. Constituent Engagement (February 18th – March 7): This phase is centered on engagement with students, staff, families, and community members. The Board will conduct an online survey and twelve focus groups. The Board will then utilize the feedback to develop the criteria for recruiting and selecting our next superintendent.
3. Recruiting (March 12th - April 11th): Human Capital Enterprises will advertise and recruit nationally for candidates that match the approved Next Superintendent Criteria.
4. Selection (April 14th – May 16): This phase may include activities with students, staff, families, and community members; interviews with the Board; and a comprehensive background check.
5. Transition: We look forward to introducing the new superintendent to all areas of our school community.  Although the new superintendent will not officially begin until July 1, 2025, we envision on-boarding activities to begin shortly after selection, including community-wide “meet-and-greet” opportunities.

We will continue to post information and regular updates about the superintendent search on this page. If you have questions about the process, we welcome you to contact us at SuperintendentSearch@psesd.org.

---

Semi-Finalist's Update - May

The Puget Sound Educational Service District Board of Directors met in an executive session on May 5 and 6 with Human Capital Enterprises consultants to interview semi-finalist candidates recommended by the PSESD Superintendent Review Committee.  Upon conclusion of those interviews and Board deliberation, the Board reconvened in an open session and advanced three candidates as finalists. 

Each finalist will undergo multiple telephone reference checks and a complete background investigation. Additionally, between May 13 and 16, finalists will be interviewed by a Community Engagement Interview Panel, the PSESD Executive Leadership Team, and the PSESD Board of Directors.  A thorough review of community and Executive Leadership Team feedback, candidate qualifications, and candidate experiences will inform the Board during closed session interviews and deliberations on May 15 and May 16.  

The Board anticipates acting on the sole finalist contract and superintendent appointment in an open Special Board Meeting to be scheduled by the end of May. A public announcement about the next superintendent appointment will be made at that time. 

Selection Update - May

This past week, and as required by RCW 28A.310.170, Human Capital Enterprises has convened a Superintendent Review Committee to review applicants against the Board-adopted Next Superintendent Criteria and recommend candidates to advance for first-round interviews with the PSESD Board of Directors on May 5 or May 6.  The Superintendent Review Committee makeup includes:  one representative from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, three region member district superintendents, and four PSESD Board directors.  Human Capital Enterprises will present the Superintendent Review Committee recommendation to the full Board in an executive session at the Board’s April 30 meeting.

The PSESD Superintendent leadership opportunity drew high interest from the region and across the country, resulting in a diverse, deep, and talented applicant pool of experienced superintendents and executives. If you have questions about the process, we welcome you to connect with us at SuperintendentSearch@psesd.org.

Recruiting Update - April

This past week, and as required by RCW 28A.310.170, Human Capital Enterprises has convened a Superintendent Review Committee to review applicants against the Board-adopted Next Superintendent Criteria and recommend candidates to advance for first-round interviews with the PSESD Board of Directors on May 5 or May 6.  The Superintendent Review Committee makeup includes:  one representative from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, three region member district superintendents, and four PSESD Board directors.  Human Capital Enterprises will present the Superintendent Review Committee recommendation to the full Board in an executive session at the Board’s April 30 meeting.

The PSESD Superintendent leadership opportunity drew high interest from the region and across the country, resulting in a diverse, deep, and talented applicant pool of experienced superintendents and executives. If you have questions about the process, we welcome you to connect with us at SuperintendentSearch@psesd.org.

Constituent Engagement Update - March

The Puget Sound Educational Service District Board of Directors and Human Capital Enterprises (HCE) have completed the constituent engagement phase of the superintendent search process.

The Board would like to thank the 115 students, staff, families, partners, and community members who provided their valuable feedback and input through 1:1 interviews, focus groups, and an online survey. Participants were asked about the agency’s strengths, challenges, and the personal and professional qualities, attributes, skills, and experiences desired in PSESD’s next superintendent.

Based on the input received, HCE presented a draft Next Superintendent Criteria at a special Board work study session last night.  The Board reviewed the criteria, made several revisions, and finalized the document to be used for recruiting and selecting the next superintendent.  The Board will take action to approve the Next Superintendent Criteria at its regular business meeting on March 19.

Constituent Feedback on PSESD

Strengths

1. Commitment to Racial Equity and Inclusion
   PSESD is widely recognized for its leadership in racial equity and anti-racist initiatives. The establishment of the Equity Department and intentional efforts to amplify BIPOC voices through programs like the Community and Youth Wisdom Councils were praised. Respondents emphasized the importance of sustaining and deepening this work despite political challenges.
2. Early Learning and Head Start Programs
   The agency’s commitment to high-quality early learning, particularly Head Start and ECEAP, was celebrated. PSESD’s focus on culturally responsive education and parent engagement was highlighted, as was its ability to sustain programs amid financial uncertainties.
3. Regional Support, Innovation, and Advocacy
   PSESD is valued for its collaborative approach in supporting school districts in the region.  Agency partners highlight the crucial role the ESD plays as a regional convener to scale innovation practices- Road Map Project, Race to The Top, and Gates Foundation collaboration projects were frequently cited.   Its advocacy efforts, financial stability, and ability to secure resources were seen as key strengths.
4. Student, Family, and Community Engagement
   Respondents commended PSESD’s emphasis on elevating student, family, and community voices.   Student and parent board representation, the Youth Wisdom Council, and Community Wisdom Council were all cited as institutional structures to broaden agency governance.  The agency’s outreach to multilingual and multicultural communities was recognized as essential in fostering strong agency-community relationships.
5. Professional Development and Workforce Support
   PSESD provides valuable training, particularly in racial equity, leadership development, and educator support. Programs like Teach for Liberation were highlighted for their role in developing and retaining educators of color. Continued investment in capacity-building and best practices were encouraged.
6. Effective Governance and Adaptive Leadership
   Many respondents celebrated the governance of the agency, the stability and diverse representation of Board leadership, and the effectiveness of the policy governance model.  The agency’s executive leadership was also acknowledged for its expertise, diversity, and responsiveness to emerging challenges. PSESD’s agility during crises, such as COVID-19, demonstrated its ability to support districts effectively.

Challenges and Opportunities

1. Funding and Financial Sustainability
   Financial stability remains a concern, particularly for early learning programs. The agency should explore alternative funding sources, such as philanthropic partnerships, to reduce reliance on grants and federal funds. Additionally, the agency should prioritize local, state, and federal advocacy to protect current funding, and to secure additional resources to advance the agency’s bold initiatives.  Strengthening financial oversight for struggling districts, CFO or business manager development, or to create regionalized supports to secure the financial footing of member districts were also identified as priorities.
2. Racial Equity and Political Landscape
   The evolving political climate poses risks to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. PSESD must navigate these challenges while ensuring racial equity remains central to its mission. Expanding outreach to underserved communities and institutionalizing youth and parent engagement were identified as key priorities.
3. Internal Organizational Challenges
   Staff morale, departmental silos, and leadership trust issues were cited as internal concerns. Addressing team cohesion, improving HR policies, and clarifying hybrid work expectations are necessary for a healthier organizational culture. Succession planning and leadership development must also be prioritized.
4. Opportunities for Growth and Innovation
   • Deepening racial equity work with systemic, measurable outcomes.
   • Expanding workforce development through employer partnerships, apprenticeship programs, and more robust career pathways.
   • Modernizing education with mastery-based, project-based, and placed-based learning.
   • Increasing access to mental health services and social-emotional learning.
   • Strengthening community engagement, public visibility, and communicating the agency’s value proposition

 

Next Superintendent Criteria

The PSESD Board of Directors seeks an exceptional leader who embodies and demonstrates the following:

Racial Equity Champion

• Unapologetically co-constructs systems that advance an anti-racist approach to creating more just and humanizing schools and organizations
• Inclusive leadership that supports historically underrepresented groups, and prioritizes the agency’s racial equity and inclusion initiatives and programs including service to historically marginalized student populations
• Demonstrates cultural competency, emotional intelligence, embraces and celebrates differences, and actively promotes a sense of belonging for all

Learner-Centered Leader

• A proven record of advancing student outcomes, particularly for historically marginalized learners, by enhancing school climate, instruction, professional learning, data-driven practices, and extra-curricular programs
• P-12 system level leadership experience closing opportunity and achievement gaps by strengthening programs
• An innovative, collaborative, customer-facing approach to ideating programs and services that are responsive to region member district needs and scale collective impact

Entrepreneurial and Strategic Fiscal Steward

• Proven fiscal management and ability to strategically align agency resources with a compelling vision for the future
• A transparent system approach to budget development that engages constituents, fosters trust, and nurtures continued regional support of the agency
• Embraces an entrepreneurial approach that leverages public-private partnerships to promote, sustain, and advance the agency’s strategic vision and impact
• Deftly leads and advocates at the state and federal levels to secure stable and reliable funding for public education

Inspiring, Courageous, and Decisive Advocate

• Exercises courageous leadership for positive change, that places learners at the center of agency’s decisions, even in the face of adversity
• The ability to articulate an inspiring vision, design systems, model the way, and empower others to act with coherency to advance the agency’s “Bold Initiatives” and future-focused strategic areas
• Demonstrates success navigating and mediating political complexity, advocating for racial equity, public education, and multi-cultural education

Community Convener, Connector, and Communicator

• An approachable, relatable demeanor with a focus on relationships and leading from the heart
• Committed to building and sustaining cross-sector P-12 coalitions, partnerships, and community-based collaborations that center children and families, while fostering visibility, transparency, and active engagement to amplify the voices of students, families, and constituents through inclusive and responsive communication

Leader and Manager of a Complex Organization

• A proven record of executive management skills in a comparable organization
• Builds and sustains a high performing leadership team, staff, and workplace culture
• Navigates ambiguity and complexity with ease