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# Rooted in Purpose, Committed to Mount Baker
It’s a joy and an honor to introduce myself to the Mount Baker community as your new superintendent. My name is Jessica Schenck, and I’ve dedicated more than 20 years to serving students, families, and educators with one clear purpose: to make our schools better places for every child to learn and grow. The students of Mount Baker are the heart of this community, and they deserve nothing less than an education that inspires, challenges, and supports them. Together—with our board, administrators, teachers, and staff—we will work to ensure every student has a high-quality education and the caring environment they need and deserve.
My path to the superintendency wasn’t traditional. I didn’t set out to be a superintendent, and I haven’t pursued roles for prestige or position. What I’ve always followed is a calling: to help schools become better places for all students to learn and grow. This calling has taken me from the classroom, where I taught for 13 years, to roles as a principal, STEM director, and assistant superintendent in Othello and Sunnyside. In each, I focused on creating systems that support staff, elevate student voices, and deliver the high expectations and deep care our students deserve.
Mount Baker feels like the right place for this work—and for my life. My husband and I are newly empty nesters, and moving here brings us closer to family. But this isn’t a stepping-stone. I’m not looking to move to a bigger district. I’m looking to make Mount Baker my long-term home. I see this community’s strength in its schools, its history, and its values.
I lead with integrity, dignity for all, and a deep love for learning. I believe in doing the work with people, not to them. That means collaborating with educators, staff, families, and students.It means building systems that are equitable, efficient, and student-centered.
It means making sure every student sees themselves as capable and valued, and that every staff member feels supported. I also believe in communication that’s clear and reliable. You’ll hear from me often—about what’s going well, what’s challenging, and how we’re moving forward. I invite your questions, feedback, and ideas. You can contact me by email at jschenck@mtbaker.wednet.edu or by phone at 360-383-2000.
The work ahead is not easy, but it is meaningful. My goal is that we’ll approach it together—with compassion, grace, and determination. Thank you for welcoming me into this community. I look forward to all we will accomplish together.
With gratitude, Jessica Schenck Superintendent, Mount Baker School District
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**Next:** South Fork Valley Comm Assoc