Staff Report

Mercer Island School District Superintendent Donna Colosky has announced that she plans to retire at the end of the 2021-22 school year. She has spent 36 years working in public education, including the last four on Mercer Island.

In a May 12 online message to school district students, staff, families and the community, Colosky noted that she was recently on medical leave following a major surgery. She’s recovering well and returned to work on a limited basis the week beginning May 17, she said.

“This has given me a chance to contemplate my future and my desire to spend more time with my family,” she said of her decision to retire. “It truly has been my honor and privilege to serve as your superintendent. The Island is such a special community that places tremendous value in public education. I am grateful to the School Board for the trust they have placed in me and will work in collaboration with them to assure a thoughtful and smooth transition plan.”

Dr. Fred Rundle stepped into the role of acting superintendent for six weeks, starting April 5. The School Board has yet to announce a transition plan after Colosky’s retirement on June 30, 2022, according to the school district.

Colosky said she is proud of how the school district staff has pivoted and implemented a host of learning models during a difficult 14 months during the pandemic.

“We have been resilient as a community, we have kept to our values as a district and most of all, we have kept our kids safe,” she said.

“I am so grateful for your support over the past four years,” added Colosky, who’s treasured the relationships she’s made on the Island. “Together, let’s see us finish this year strong and to move forward together for 2021-22.”