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DAVENPORT—Superintendent Jim Kowalkowski will sign off on his educational career following the 2021-22 school year, he informed the school board via a resignation letter that was accepted at the board’s May 24 meeting. Kowalkowski’s retirement, which becomes official June 30, 2022, will come after 15 years as superintendent here.
“I have been very fortunate to have served as your superintendent since 2007,” Kowalkowski’s letter read. “These past 14 years have been very rewarding and I have been blessed to work with an amazing staff, great students, a committed and dedicated school board and a very supportive community.”
Kowalkowski will have spent 41 years in education come his retirement. 38 of those years came in Washington after three years in Oregon to begin his career. He’s had stops in Sunnyside, Ferndale and Pomeroy, where he was the principal and superintendent, before coming to Davenport.
He said his decision to retire was largely influenced by a desire to spend more time with family, including a new granddaughter. He also wants to have more time to advocate for smaller schools.
“I want to continue to work as an advocate for rural schools in Washington,” Kowalkowski told The Times. “As full-time superintendent, I don’t have as much time to do that as I’d like. With retirement, I can focus more time on that.”
Kowalkowski intends to remain in Davenport through retirement with his wife Debra Kowalkowski, formerly Sitko, a Davenport native.
“I love being close to Spokane but not in the city,” Kowalkowski said. “This is our home.”
The passage of a project that resulted in a new K-8 facility here was one of Kowalkowski’s proudest accomplishments he spelled in his resignation letter.
Kowalkowski recommended middle/high school principal Chad Prewitt to be his replacement. He also recommended that next year, his final year as superintendent, Prewitt serve as both principal and assistant superintendent to help prepare him for the job.
Prewitt has received his superintendent credential through Washington State University.
The board discussed Kowalkowski’s recommendation during an executive session following the regular meeting. Official action, which is expected to be favorable for Prewitt receiving the gig, will be discussed and taken at a special board meeting June 9.
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