Bilingual Dept Director accepts Federal Way position

Walla Walla Public Schools Director of Bilingual Education and Latina/o Outreach Dr. Victor Vergara has accepted a position with the Federal Way School District. His last day will be July 1. Superintendent Wade Smith has appointed Edison Elementary Principal Dr. Julie Perron to replace Vergara.

“We wish Dr. Vergara and his family the best as he takes the next step in his career,” said Smith. “We appreciate all he has done to improve our Bilingual Education program, including leading an expansion of the dual language program to Green Park Elementary next school year.”

Perron is fluent in Spanish with strong skills in additional languages. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, a Master of Arts in Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, and a PhD in Leadership Studies. Her dissertation was a case study on the efficacy of dual language. Dr. Perron has also consulted for various school districts throughout her 20-year career in the areas of Sheltered English for Academics, Equity and Diversity and Social Justice, as well as English Language Development strategies, Common Core, and building school community. Prior to accepting the Edison principal position in 2016, she was principal of Whitaker Elementary, in California.

“While I am going to miss Edison immensely, I am elated to know that I will continue to help lead Walla Walla Public Schools in a new capacity, and look forward to supporting Edison, as well as other areas of the district,” said Dr. Perron.

Walla Walla Public Schools has opened the Edison Elementary principal position and is seeking highly qualified bilingual principal candidates. The position closes May 10. Hiring information is available on the district’s website (www.wwps.org) under the Employment tab.