More than 160 new teachers, principals and other administrators join Renton School District this year, replacing retiring and relocating staff.
Following is information about some of the new administrators
Paul Apostle, assistant superintendent, Human Resources
Apostle’s most recent position was interim principal at Renton High School last school year. Before that, he served as human resource director in the Tacoma School District and principal at Wilson High School in Tacoma for 15 years. He holds a master’s degree in education and taught English for seven years. Apostle replaces Kay Herman, who retired.
Robert MacGregor, assistant superintendent, Learning and Teaching
MacGregor served five years as assistant superintendent for school improvement at the state’s education office and has more than 27 years in public education in Washington state. He has served as elementary and middle school principal, classroom teacher and elementary school counselor. MacGregor holds a master’s degree in school counseling. He replaces Frederick Row, who retired.
Teresa Fogarty, director of Elementary Special Education
Fogarty served as an elementary behavior facilitator in Renton last school year. She has an extensive history of teaching students with special needs in the Kent and Klamath Falls (Ore.) school districts. Fogarty has also served as a principal intern at Bryn Mawr Elementary School. She replaces Ros Robinson, who retired.
Stanley Morency, director of Information Management Systems
Morency comes to Renton from Tennessee, where he served as information systems manager for a major hospital. He has more than 10 years experience in technology administration and is well versed in myriad operating systems and software and hardware platforms and frameworks. Morency holds a master’s degree in business administration. He replaces Bill Hulten, who retired.
Dana Brooke Trisler, director of Instructional Technology and Student Information Services
Trisler has worked for the past year as a technology support teacher in Renton. He has more than 10 years experience in technology administration and teaching in schools in Washington and Ohio. He is well versed in myriad of software operating systems. Trisler holds a master’s degree in education administration. He, along with Morency, replaces Bill Hulten, who retired.
Ronald Schepers, director, Transportation
Schepers was most recently assistant director of transportation in the North Thurston School District. He has also held a similar position in the Washougal (Wash.) School District and was a mechanic in the U.S. Army. Schepers holds certifications in gas and diesel mechanics and transportation management. He replaces Michael Shahan, who accepted a position in a school district closer to his home.
Damien Pattenaude, principal, Renton High School
Pattenaude recently served as assistant principal at Hazen High School and has served as assistant principal at Renton High School. He has taught at Renton High School, Kent-Meridian High School and at Washington State University. He holds a master’s degree in educational leadership. Pattenaude replaces Paul Apostle, who was a one-year interim principal at Renton High.
Debra Tito, director of Assessment
Tito comes to Renton from San Mateo, Calif., where she served as director for the new teacher induction program for San Mateo County. She has experience as an elementary school principal and has extensive practice in staff development. Tito holds a master’s degree in educational administration.
John Kniseley, principal, Hazen High School
Kniseley was most recently principal at Ridgefield High School in Ridgefield, Wash. He has served as assistant principal in Mission Viejo, Calif., and in Monroe. Kniseley has taught mathematics, geometry, and world, U.S. and Pacific Northwest history. He holds a master’s degree in education. He replaces Sue Beeson who retired.
Giovanna San Martin, assistant principal, Hazen High School
San Martin was most recently an administrator in the Seattle School District, working in various positions including assistant principal, curriculum management and student intervention. San Martin is fluent in several languages and holds a master’s degree in educational administration. She replaces Damien Pattenaude, who this year takes over as principal at Renton High School.
Mickie Pemberton, assistant principal, McKnight Middle School
Pemberton was most recently dean of students at Dimmitt Middle School. She has also served as assistant principal in Overland Park, Kan., and has taught anatomy, biology, communications and physiology. Pemberton holds a master’s degree in educational administration. She replaces Kermit Chicha, who retired.
