Change in Manson School District Leadership Coming this Summer

Dear Manson Families and Community,

I am writing to share a decision that my wife, Shelley, and I have made regarding my future as Superintendent of Manson School District. If you know me, you can guess how difficult this decision has been.

I have accepted a position with Eastmond School District as Executive Director of Secondary Education pending board approval on March 23, 2020. This position is scheduled to begin July 1st, 2020. The Superintendent of Eastmont, Dr. Garn Christensen, has graciously offered to work with Manson School District on our pending transition giving us flexibility on timelines to insure leadership is in place, especially given our current uncertain times.

The timing nor method of this announcement is less than ideal. When I first was made aware of this opportunity our world was in a different place. I have delayed making this decision and announcement for as long as possible given the extraordinary circumstances we face. However, in fairness to both Manson School District and Eastmont School District the time to act is now.

I am 100% committed t0 to Manson School District for the remainder of my tenure as Superintendent. I will continue to provide necessary leadership during our current pandemic for as long as necessary. I will plan for the 20-21 school year as if I were going to be here making sure our students and staff are prepared. I will also assist the School Board in the transition process to the extent they wish me to be involved. I know I have strengths and weaknesses in my leadership and it will be very appropriate for our Board to solicit feedback from the community in considering the qualities and experience they are looking for in the next Manson Superintendent.

I anticipate the open position for Superintendent of Manson School District to be a very desirable position to education leaders. The beauty of our Valley and our community (our families) is widely known and appreciated. Our staff are the most committed group of educators I have ever had the privilege to work with. They have created a progressive school system responsive to our student and family needs. Our school system is strong and our leadership is distributed among many key staff members and administrators which will make this transition smooth and launch the District even higher.

So why am I leaving? Shelley and I have discussed in the past few years when the next “right” opportunity came along we would know.

• Eastmont is a fantastic school district with a well-regarded leadership team, school board and staff.
• Shelley has accepted a teaching position with Eastmont allowing she and I to work for the same school district, root for the same teams, attend the same concerts, etc.
• Our parents, siblings and our middle son all live in the Wenatchee area.
• I graduated from Eastmont High School and attended schools there as a child.

In addition, it has much to do with moving on towards a different professional challenge and continuing to grow as an educator. It seems fitting to come full circle both professionally and personally.

I cannot possibly begin to adequately thank the hundreds of people in this community who have helped me grow as a person and leader. Our thirteen years in Manson have been a blessing in every regard. Our boys were raised here and they will forever consider this home. We take comfort knowing the friendships we’ve made can continue as we are only an hour away. I fully intend to thank so many of you in person in the coming months for the support, guidance and love you’ve shown me and our family.

With sincere gratitude,

Matt Charlton, Superintendent

Manson School District