Burgess returning to head Lake Stevens School District

David Burgess, a former Lake Stevens School District principal and administrator, will be the district's next superintendent.

Burgess, 54, left the district two years ago to become superintendent of the 6,000-student Three Rivers School District in Grants Pass, Ore. He said he wanted to return to Lake Stevens to be reunited with family. His wife and four grown children remained in the area while he was in Oregon.

"It was one of the hardest things I've ever experienced in my life," said Burgess. "It's difficult to be away from the person who means the most to you in your life."

The School Board announced yesterday it had selected Burgess from among three finalists to replace Joe Ghaffari, who will retire at the end of the school year after 13 years as superintendent. Also up for the position were Timothy Culver, superintendent of the Sun Prairie Area School District in Wisconsin; and Steve Webb, Lake Stevens' assistant superintendent.

Board President Mari Taylor said Burgess was known as a compassionate leader during his eight years with the district, serving as principal at Lake Stevens High School and as deputy superintendent.

Under Burgess, the Three Rivers School District opened its first new schools in more than 30 years and saw academic improvements at some of its lowest-achieving schools.

Priorities in Lake Stevens, Burgess said, include increasing student achievement, passing a construction bond to address a student population that has grown 70 percent in 10 years and building better relationships with teachers, who have gone on strike twice since 1998.

Burgess begins his job with the 7,100-student district July 1. He is still negotiating his salary.

J.J. Jensen: 425-745-7809 or jjensen@seattletimes.com