TACOMA, WA – At the School Board of Directors meeting held the evening of May 14^th, the School Board unanimously approved new administrative appointments recommended by Dr. Frank Hewins, Superintendent for the 2013-2014 school year.

Mr. Lance Goodpaster will become the Assistant Superintendent effective July 1. Mr. Goodpaster is currently Principal of Evergreen Primary School in the University Place School District, where he has been since 2002. He started his public education career in Franklin Pierce Schools twenty years ago, as a teacher at Christensen Elementary School. He is currently working on his Superintendent Credentials through Washington State University. “Franklin Pierce is a special place.  I am thrilled for the opportunity to return and contribute to the outstanding work being done in support of students,” said Goodpaster. Mr. Goodpaster will replace Mr. Tim Stensager, who has been hired as the Director of Data Governance at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction in Olympia.

Mrs. Brandy Nelson will become the Principal of James Sales Elementary effective July 1. Mrs. Nelson began her public education career in Franklin Pierce Schools in 2002. She has taught first grade, second grade, and has most recently been an instructional coach and administrative intern. “I am excited and honored to stay in Franklin Pierce Schools, working alongside the dedicated staff of James Sales Elementary as we serve students and their families,” said Nelson. Principal Nelson will replace Mrs. Kristen Schroeder, who has been hired as the Principal of Firgrove Elementary School in the Puyallup School District.

“The appointments of Asst. Supt. Goodpaster and Principal Nelson are an added strength to our already strong administrative team. Both are professionals who represent the values of Franklin Pierce Schools, believe strongly in serving the needs of the whole child as a path to making each student academically successful, and have demonstrated a commitment to working collaboratively with parents and the community to build a strong educational system,” said Dr. Frank Hewins, Superintendent.

In addition to the new administrative appointments, Superintendent Hewins also wishes to acknowledge a retiring administrator – Mr. Gary Benson — who has served the students and families of Franklin Pierce Schools for the past 21 years. Mr. Benson’s public education career began 40 years ago as a teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina. He came to Washington State in 1983 to teach in Bremerton School District and later on as an Assistant Principal in the Oak Harbor School District. Mr. Benson served as Ford Middle School’s Principal from 1993 until 2010, at which time he was promoted to Executive Director of Human Resources and Interim Executive Director for K-12. Franklin Pierce Schools extends our deep gratitude to Mr. Benson for his service and his many accomplishments providing a quality education to thousands of students.