Maywood Hills School Principal Dies

BOTHELL - Al Chavez, principal of Maywood Hills Elementary School, died yesterday at his home in Bellevue.

Pamela Steele, director of the Northshore School District's communications office, said Mr. Chavez had reported feeling ill on Monday. When he failed to show up for a meeting yesterday morning, staff members went to his home. Receiving no response, they called Bellevue firefighters to assist in entering the home.

Steele said teachers are sharing the information about Mr. Chavez's death with students today, and counselors are on hand to help.

An autopsy will be done by the King County Medical Examiner today to determine the cause of death.

Mr. Chavez, 46, began his career in the Northshore district in 1977 and taught special education at Hillcrest and Kenmore elementary schools until 1980. He then worked in various capacities in special-education administration for nine years.

He was awarded a Danforth Fellowship to work on his administrative credentials at the University of Washington in 1989. Mr. Chavez worked as an assistant principal at Lockwood and Maywood Hills schools and became principal at Maywood Hills two years ago.

Steele said Mr. Chavez's family lives in New Mexico. Information about services is not yet available.