(November 2012 photo by Nick Adams for WSB: Sam Reed refereeing during 1st-ever Sealth Alumni Game)
Another change in the top ranks at Chief Sealth International High School: Athletic director and activity coordinator Sam Reed announced tonight that he is leaving for a new job in another school district. He gave us permission to republish this excerpt from the announcement, sent via e-mail to the Sealth community:

I hope this e-mail finds you well and that you and your families are enjoying your summer to date. I’m writing to say that I have made the difficult decision to accept a new opportunity that will take me away from Chief Sealth International High School.

At that time I will begin my next challenge, this time as the Assistant Director of Student Life for the Tacoma School District. In that role, I will oversee athletics and ASB for the District’s 5 comprehensive high schools and 10 middle schools. Ultimately the lure of a new and larger challenge outweighed the reality of losing that day-to-day contact with the students – and for those that know me well, you know how­­ hard of a decision this was.

In my absence I have left my recommendations for a short-term succession plan with building leadership. I trust that people will be in place come the start of Fall sports and the beginning of the school year.

I cannot express enough how special my six years at Sealth were. This was so much more than a job for me – and many of you and your children played a large role in that. My family and I live (and will continue to live) in this community and we have genuinely enjoyed our time as Seahawks. The kids and this community continually amaze me, and they have given me far more than I have given them. Still, I am very proud of the work that we have done together, and leave with confidence that a strong foundation has been laid for the next generation of students and athletes.

Reed’s departure follows the resignation of two-year principal Chris Kinsey (whose successor was announced last week) and the retirement of longtime assistant principal Lupe Barnes. This past year, Reed also served in a regional role as Metro League president.