Indian Ed head moves on to new job

By Clare Jensen

For Puyallup Tribal News
cjensen@tacomaweekly.com
Published on: August 07, 2008

The Director of Indian Education for Tacoma Public Schools resigned July 29 to take on the role as principal for the Seminole Tribal School in Florida.

Walt Swan, who served as director of the Indian Education Program for the past year and a half, was a passionate advocate for Indian students in the region.

He worked hard within the restraints of the funding for the program, and increased the number of students served. He also facilitated community partnerships with local organizations, such as Centro Latino, to increase tutoring opportunities for the students.

Walt Swan sees his resignation not as a way to desert the program, but as a way to advance his own career.

“I’m ready for the next step,” he said. “We’ve [Tacoma Indian Education] turned a lot of corners… I just wish it was better timing.”

Staff at Tacoma School District, parents and community will be sad to see Walt Swan move on to a new job, and out of the area.

“He has done amazing things for Tacoma,” said district spokeswoman Leanna Albrecht.

Recently, Walt Swan created a grant partnership with the Puyallup Tribe, which provides $500,000 a year over the next five years to the program.

“Walt joined us at a time when we were having a need for strong leadership in our Indian Education program. He has strengthened the program tremendously and built powerful partnerships with our community and tribal groups. We will miss his leadership and vision. It will be extremely difficult to replace him,” said Assistant Superintendent Michael Power.

It is unknown when a new director for the program will be hired, or if an interim position will be created.

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