Bainbridge school district announces new executive director of special services

Diane Leonetti, a longtime BISD Instructional Support Services coordinator, occupational therapist and special education expert will assume executive director position July 1.

The Bainbridge Island School District has selected Diane Leonetti as the new executive director of special services.

Leonetti has a long history of service to district students with special needs and their families. In addition to her current position as coordinator of Instructional Support Services, Leonetti has served as an

occupational therapist and special education coordinator. In a field of highly competitive candidates, interview committee members said Leonetti’s reputation within the district stood out.

“The screening and interview process was rigorous and intense, and we were so pleased to come through that and realize that Diane is the best possible candidate for this position,” said Meg Evans, an Ordway Elementary teacher and member of the interview committee.

“Diane has a unique combination of depth of experience, knowledge of our district, and passion for the education of every child. I am thrilled with her selection, and look forward to many productive years working with her,” Evans said.

Parents on the interview panel and those who have worked with Leonetti strongly agreed.

“Dianne Leonetti has been a devoted, respected and highly knowledgeable part of the Bainbridge Island School District for 25 years,” said Viki Walaskay, a parent and member of the interview committee. “She has worked personally with many of the children she will now be serving as executive director of special services.”

“Her understanding of all sides of complex issues specific to this district and special education is second to none, and she does not shy away from difficult situations or hard work,” Walaskay added. “It is abundantly clear she has built an enormous amount of trust from both educators and parents. She is a true leader and I am looking forward to her vision for this department.”

Leonetti came to the district in 1990 with a master’s degree in education from Western Washington University and experience as an occupational therapist for the state of Washington.

She will assume her new position July 1, replacing retiring director Bill Mosiman.

“I’m thrilled to be selected as the next executive director of Special

Services,” Leonetti said. “I have worked with students with special needs, and their parents, throughout the school district for many years, and having lived and raised a family on Bainbridge Island, I have strong

connections to this community. I am excited for the opportunity to continue to work collaboratively with families, staff and administration in this capacity.”

“Diane brings a strong base of experiences to the Special Education

Department,” said Wilkes Elementary School Principal Sheryl Belt. “Her

years as an occupational therapist give her broad experiences in classrooms and buildings. Diane is the right person at the right time for the Bainbridge Island School District.”