SOUTH WHIDBEY: Clifford voted superintendent of School District

Luisa Loi reports from the South Whidbey School District for the South Whidbey Record.

The South Whidbey School Board chose Becky Clifford to lead as the district’s new superintendent.

The decision was announced last Thursday. Clifford, the assistant superintendent of the Anacortes School District, was picked from three finalists, which included Liz Ritz, the director of teaching and learning at the Oak Harbor School District, and Kristine Michael, the superintendent of Northridge Local School District in Ohio.

Clifford has 20 years in education that have prepared her for the new role.

They Said It

In an email to The Record, Clifford said she applied for the superintendent position because she was drawn to the district’s connections with the community, its commitment to equity and student wellbeing and its strong academics.

She intends to continue building strong relationships within and beyond the district, connecting with students, staff and families to get a better understanding of the schools’ finances, enrollment trends and bond planning.