Richland schools lose a key leader. Another Mid-Columbia district says it’s their win
The North Franklin School Board has hired a new chief educator in the wake of Superintendent Jim Jacobs’ planned retirement June 30.
His replacement will be a familiar face to the Tri-Cities.
Brian Moore, Richland School District’s assistant superintendent of elementary education, was selected as North Franklin School District’s next superintendent.
“I’m really excited. It’s always been a career goal to take that final step and become a superintendent,” Moore told the Tri-City Herald in a Wednesday interview.
“I’m sad to leave Richland,” he continued. “There’s some very special people here and we’ve done some amazing work here.... I’m also very thankful to Dr. Shelley Redinger, whose been my boss and mentor here.”
Moore has 25 years of diverse education experience, including roles as a teacher, coach and principal.
Since 2018 he’s lead elementary instruction across a dozen elementary schools in Richland. He’s also helped lead efforts in the realm of special education, early childhood education, principal supervision, English language learning and school finance.
He previously served as the principal of Marcus Whitman Elementary in Richland and Franklin Elementary in Pullman. Moore originally began his education career as an elementary school teacher and high school coach in the Puyallup School District.
Jacobs has spent the last six years as North Franklin’s superintendent, overseeing the instruction of its 2,000 students at schools in Connell, Basin City and Mesa.
His retirement caps a 27-year tenure with the district, where he worked as a teacher, summer school director and in various principal roles before becoming superintendent.
Moore said Jacobs has done a fantastic job leading the district and its instructors.
“It’s just really a size where we have an opportunity to get to know all of our students and all of our families that we serve. I just thought this was an unbelievable opportunity,” Moore said.
His contract begins July 1, but he plans to begin attending school gatherings and sporting events this spring to introduce himself. Details of his contract and pay are pending negotiation.
“We want to thank all of the administrators, staff, community and students who took the time to help us with this decision,” said North Franklin School Board Chair Terry Utecht. “We had great feedback and are confident that Brian Moore is an excellent choice for our schools and our community.”
Shortly after Jacobs submitted his resignation in February, the board contracted with Eastern Washington-based Northwest Leadership Associates to find the district’s next leader.
On Saturday, the school board held closed-door interviews and offered a meet-and-greet opportunity with their two finalists for the position: Moore and Robert Elizondo, superintendent of the Touchet School District.
Moore plans to move up to Connell soon, but says he’s discussing the timing with his family and his son, who is a sophomore at Richland High School.
