With a distinguished career spanning diverse roles, Dr. Pritchett currently serves as the assistant superintendent of human resources, previous assistant deputy superintendent, and the director of secondary schools. Her formidable presence was also felt as the central region director of schools for an impressive eight years. Her leadership extended to hands-on roles such as the principal of McClure Middle School, assistant principal of Rose Hill Junior High, and house administrator at Mercer Middle School. She's also contributed significantly as a classroom teacher and instructional assistant at Sharples Alternative School.

Dr. Pritchett holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Washington State University, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration with administrative certification from Western Washington University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership complemented by superintendent certification from the esteemed University of Washington.

Assistant Superintendent Pritchett Oversees

Human Resources

Human Resources (HR) plays a critical role in Seattle Public Schools by managing various aspects of personnel, policies, and employee relations. Some key functions of HR in include:

Recruitment and Hiring: HR is responsible for advertising job openings, screening applications, conducting interviews, and selecting the best candidates to fill teaching, administrative, and support staff positions within the district. They ensure that the district hires qualified individuals who align with the educational goals and values of the district.

Onboarding and Orientation: HR facilitates the onboarding process for new employees, providing them with information about district policies, procedures, benefits, and expectations. This helps new staff members integrate into the school district smoothly.

Employee Benefits and Compensation:  HR manages employee benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and leave policies. They also oversee salary administration and ensure that compensation packages are competitive and fair.

Training and Professional Development: HR organizes training sessions, workshops, and professional development opportunities for district staff to enhance their skills, stay updated with educational trends, and improve their performance.

Performance Management: HR collaborates with school administrators to establish performance evaluation systems and processes for all staff members. They ensure that evaluations are conducted fairly, feedback is provided, and improvement plans are implemented as necessary.

Employee Relations: HR acts as a mediator in resolving conflicts and disputes between employees or between employees and management. They work to create a positive and inclusive work environment that fosters teamwork and collaboration.

Compliance with Regulations: HR ensures that the district complies with federal, state, and local labor laws, as well as education regulations. This includes managing records, maintaining required certifications, and adhering to anti-discrimination and equal opportunity laws.

Policy Development and Implementation:  HR assists in the development and dissemination of district policies and procedures, ensuring that they are up-to-date, aligned with legal requirements, and effectively communicated to staff.

Retention Strategies: HR works to implement strategies that promote staff retention, job satisfaction, and overall employee well-being. This may involve recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance, providing opportunities for advancement, and addressing employee concerns.

Data Management and Reporting: HR maintains accurate records of employee data, including personal information, certifications, training, and performance evaluations. They may also generate reports related to staffing trends, turnover rates, and compliance.

Budgeting and Resource Allocation: HR collaborates with district leadership to manage the budget allocated for staffing and HR-related initiatives, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to meet the district's educational goals.

Personal Statement

Dr. Sarah Pritchett commitment to educational excellence is deeply rooted in her own experiences as a proud graduate of Seattle Public Schools, Franklin High School, where she embarked on her transformative educational journey.

Since 1993, Dr. Pritchett has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the betterment of students and families within the Seattle Public Schools. Dr. Pritchett's academic journey mirrors her commitment to continuous growth and improvement. Making Seattle Public Schools the best learning environment for our students and the best school district in this state drives her dedication to this district. Though briefly stepping outside the district to serve as an assistant principal in the Lake Washington School District, her heart remained firmly aligned with her mission in Seattle. Her profound impact is exemplified by the myriad of roles she has held, each contributing to the district's growth and advancement.

As a senior leader within Seattle Public Schools' central office, Dr. Pritchett has consistently demonstrated her prowess in orchestrating seamless coordination and prioritization of strategic initiatives across both operational and teaching and learning departments. Her multifaceted roles, coupled with her resolute dedication to student success and equitable education, have laid the foundation for a brighter future for all students.

Beverly Redmond is a public relations professional, award-winning journalist, and consultant with more than 22 years of school public relations experience.

She currently serves as the chief of staff for Seattle Public Schools, leading the Division of Public Affairs, which includes the Community Engagement, Customer Service, the Ombudsperson Office, Communications, Media Relations, Web Services, the School Board Office, and SPSTV.

Chief Redmond Oversees

• Communications
• Customer Service
• Family Partnerships
• Media Relations
• Ombudsperson
• School Board Office
• Television Studio SPSTV
• Web Services

Personal Statement

With great pride, Chief Redmond has led the Division of Public Affairs for the last two years as her teams leverage their talent, expertise, skills, and tools to have a major impact across the greater Seattle Public Schools community.

Daily, she works shoulder-to-shoulder with SPS leadership to do accomplish the following:

• Sharing information about our schools and students through multiple forms of media and in many languages.
• Building capacity for school and central staff to share information through newsletters, websites, social media, phone messages, and community gatherings.
• Providing clear and timely crisis communications during inclement weather, natural disasters, or other emergencies.
• Creating community engagement opportunities for SPS families and staff with a goal of creating well-resourced schools in the face of dwindling funding for education.

Prior to joining the SPS leadership team, Chief Redmond served Elmhurst District 205 in Chicago’s west suburbs as the executive director of communications and public relations. During her time, she led the communications strategy for successful passage of a $168.5 million referendum that would ultimately build new schools and upgrade safety and security in all district schools.

Prior to District 205, she served the Hamilton Southeastern Schools leadership team as the director of school and community relations from October 2014-17. Chief Redmond also served 11 plus years as the director of diversity, school and community services for Monroe County Community School Corporation in Bloomington, Indiana.

Chief Redmond also has traveled extensively as an emcee with the HOPE Foundation, speaking to audiences of 500-1000 people. She is most fulfilled when working to inspire and empower others to achieve victory. Among her favorite quote sare the words of late NBA superstar Kobe Bryant:

"I was blessed with talent, but I worked (hard) as if I have none.”

Whether interviewing, standing on a stage or sitting behind a microphone, Chief Redmond is passionate about communication and the life stories she represents. She is pleased to bring her experiences to new challenges at Seattle Public Schools.

Above all, Chief Redmond is a devoted wife to her husband, Marquelle Redmond, and co-parent to her amazing children — Kelsey and Noelle.

Dr. Mike Starosky believes in the power of public education and has committed his professional life in helping to create the conditions for students to succeed by supporting high quality, equity-driven teaching and leading.

He further believes in that leadership matters-specifically school leadership matters to the success and support of high-quality teaching and learning.  Dr. Starosky is the assistant superintendent of academics.

Dr. Starosky earned a doctorate in school leadership and policy studies from the University of Washington and is a career middle school teacher and administrator.   He is a proud graduate of Seattle Public Schools having attended Whittier Elementary, Whitman Jr. High, and Ballard High School.

In 1994, he began his career in SPS as a middle school teacher at Mercer Middle School.  During his 29 years of professional service to SPS, he has held the role of teacher, assistant principal, principal of Whitman Middle School, principal leadership coach, chief of schools, and executive director of schools.

Dr. Starosky Oversees

Academic District Vision and Policy, Academic Strategy and Implementation connected to district goals, Professional Learning Structures and Systems for Educators and Leaders, Curriculum Adoption, Implementation, and Assessment

• Assessment and Instructional Improvement
• College and Career Readiness
• Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction
• Early Learning
• Liberatory Education
• Library Services
• School Counseling

Personal Statement

Dr. Starosky leads through the power of collaboration to foster high quality, equity-driven teaching and leading to impact all students.  The department of academics is committed to transforming the lives of all children through high-quality, equity-driven teaching and leading in which results in innovative, welcoming schools.  Dr. Starosky has committed his professional life to closing opportunity gaps by creating the conditions for adults to provide high quality teaching to every student.  Dr. Starosky leads with the belief that Seattle’s children, families, and communities are worthy of exceptional teaching and focuses his leadership and those whom he leads, to improving the conditions of adult learning to focus instructional leadership of school leaders and professional educators.

Dr. Starosky founded Seattle Public Schools’ leadership development and support program, Lead Up, which recruits, selects, and retains school leaders.  Under Dr. Starosky’s leadership the last six years, the Lead Up department has hired nearly 50% leaders of color.  Dr. Starosky was honored in 2015 with the University of Washington’s College of Education Professional Mentor Award for his outstanding leadership in mentoring and coaching of students at the University of Washington.  He was recognized in 2021 by the Washington Association of School Administrators for his significant impact on Public Education in Washington State by receiving the DA Davidson Barbara Mertens Award.  Additionally, he has been a presenter at number national professional leadership conferences.

Dr. Torres began his work in education as a bilingual special education teacher in the New York City Department of Education. Additionally, he worked as a school administrator in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

Throughout his career, he has worked with diverse learners. He has coached educators and provided numerous professional development and conference sessions both regionally nationwide with a focus on curriculum, equity, mindset, inclusion, the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and Restorative Practices. Dr. Torres has demonstrated the ability to meet goals and targets and consistently increase student achievement. He has served Seattle Public Schools as a director of schools, executive director of special education and inclusion, assistant superintendent of student services, and currently serves as associate superintendent of school and student services.

Dr. Torres earned his Bachelor of Science in business administration (BSBA) degree from Ohio Northern University. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Baldwin-Wallace University. Additionally, he holds a Master of Science (M.S.) in education from the City College of the City University of New York with a focus on bilingual and special education, and a Master of Education (M. Ed) degree in educational leadership with a focus on leadership for educational change from Bank Street College of Education. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in urban education from Cleveland State University.

Dr. Torres is also fully bilingual in English and Spanish.

Dr. Torres Oversees

• Advanced Learning
• African American Male Achievement
• Coordinated School Health
• Multilingual Services
• Regional Executive Directors of Schools
• Special Education

Personal Statement

“As someone with a multi-faceted identity, this is often front and center in more work in public education.  The idea that we work to educate all students who come to us regardless of needs or identifier and working with educators to continually push this concept and identify throughlines down to the school and classroom level has been my why throughout my career.”