Meet Our Superintendent: Dr. Lance Gibbon

The Hood Canal School District Board of Directors proudly welcomed Dr. Lance Gibbon as superintendent in July 2023. Now in his third year of leadership, Dr. Gibbon has made a powerful impact—leading to a three-year contract extension. Under his guidance, the district has earned multiple state and national awards, secured competitive grants, gained regular media attention, and successfully passed a $19 million capital levy to expand and renovate the school.

With more than 12 years of experience as a superintendent and over 30 years in education throughout Washington State, Dr. Gibbon brings deep knowledge and a proven track record to Hood Canal. He has served as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and adjunct professor. He holds a B.A. in Music Education, a Master’s in Educational Leadership, and a Doctorate in Education from Seattle Pacific University.

Beyond his professional credentials, Dr. Gibbon is deeply committed to community engagement. He has partnered with organizations such as the Skokomish Tribe, Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Community Foundation, Kiwanis Club, and the Hood Canal Education Foundation to strengthen support for students and families.

A proud Mason County resident, Dr. Gibbon lives in the Hood Canal area with his family. A former professional musician, he enjoys visiting classrooms and assemblies to lead singalongs and plays keyboards at his local church.

We are grateful for Dr. Gibbon’s continued leadership and dedication to the success of every student at Hood Canal School District.

Superintendent/School District Executive Assistant

• Susan Vining, Executive Assistant

• Email Susan Vining

• Phone: 360.877.5463 ext. 117

Fall 2024

Dear Hood Canal Community,

This past year has been a period of significant growth and improvement at Hood Canal School, and we’re excited about the positive changes taking place. A major highlight is the implementation of our new English Language Arts materials, selected with care last year. This updated curriculum is already enhancing our instruction and supporting the success of every student.

In addition to curricular improvements, we have successfully secured competitive grants that provide vital resources for our programs. We’re also thrilled to report improved student attendance and notable gains in reading scores, reflecting the hard work and dedication of our students and staff.

As we look ahead, our focus turns to strategic planning this fall, where we will lay the groundwork for continued progress. An important part of this effort is a new capital project levy proposal set for February, aimed at addressing our facility needs to create an improved learning environment for all students. While we have much to celebrate, we recognize there is still important work to be done, and we remain committed to improving outcomes for every student, every day.

None of this progress would be possible without the incredible efforts of our staff, the strong relationships we have with our families, the invaluable support of our community partners, and our collaboration with the Skokomish Tribe. These partnerships are the foundation of our success, allowing us to make a lasting impact on our students' futures.

Together, we are building a brighter future for all our students, and we are eager to continue this journey with you. Thank you for being a vital part of our school community.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lance Gibbon, Superintendent

GOAL 1: CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

Description: Hood Canal students in grades K-8 will receive a cohesive, standards-aligned curriculum that promotes academic growth and success. By leveraging data-driven strategies, instruction will be focused on fostering continuous academic progress both within each school year and across student cohorts. The curriculum will be vertically aligned to ensure comprehensive development and consistent educational outcomes for all students.

Action Plan Summary: Strengthen instruction through ongoing training in core curriculum programs and the Marzano Framework, with a focus on mentoring new teachers and utilizing AI tools. Expand student support through math interventions, a robotics program, and the integration of STI curriculum. Enhance oversight of migrant and multi-language learners, and consistently use interim assessments to monitor progress.

Progress Measures: Improvement in iReady and state test (SBA) scores; Interim assessment results; Feedback from teachers and evaluations.

GOAL 2: COMMUNICATION

Description: Ensure timely, clear, and consistent communication across all district levels to keep staff, students, parents, and the community informed and engaged. Highlight the district’s vision and achievements through various communication channels such as the website, newsletters, and social media, while fostering stronger connections with key stakeholders.

Action Plan Summary: Enhance communication with the community through a more engaging website, app, and social media presence. Strengthen relationships with Tribal Leadership and local media. Implement new tools for parent-teacher communication and ensure consistent messaging to staff, families, and the School Board.

Progress Measures: Website and social media engagement metrics; Feedback from staff and families; News coverage and completion of communication goals.

GOAL 3: ATTENDANCE

Description: Cultivate a culture of daily attendance and punctuality for both staff and students, acknowledging the crucial role consistent attendance plays in academic achievement and effective instruction.

Action Plan Summary: Expand after-school programs to increase student engagement, address basic needs with expanded food and clothing support, and update attendance policies. Collaborate with the Tribe and ESD113 to tackle chronic absenteeism and build a positive attendance culture for both students and staff.

Progress Measures: Trends in student and staff attendance; Effectiveness of attendance policies and interventions.

GOAL 4: DISTRICT CULTURE

Description: Build a district culture rooted in trust, inclusivity, and collaboration. By fostering strong relationships with all stakeholders, Hood Canal School District will create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment focused on student well-being.

Action Plan Summary: Develop a 5-year Strategic Plan with broad input, and use Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to improve behavior management. Increase staff involvement through committees, expand family engagement nights, and hold cultural assemblies in partnership with the Tribe. Regularly recognize staff and student achievements.

Progress Measures: Results from student, staff, and family surveys; Student discipline data; Family engagement rates and Board feedback.

GOAL 5: FACILITIES

Description: Engage stakeholders in a transparent discussion about the district’s facility needs, outlining how capital projects will support growth, improve learning environments, and enhance student success. Work towards creative funding solutions while building broad community support.

Action Plan Summary: Promote a 6-year technology and capital levy to fund district infrastructure projects. Collaborate with community members to support the levy, partner with an architectural firm for stakeholder-driven designs, and secure modernization grants. Oversee the completion of key projects like the kindergarten playground.

Progress Measures: Selection of architectural firm; Capital levy approval rates; Securing state matching and grant funds; Successful initiation of design projects.