Cascade High School Principal two finalists

Trever Summers
Education and Credentials
Summers had a BA from Washington State University MA: Grand Canyon University School Administration: Central Washington University. Trever Summers considers it an honor and privilege to be considered for the opportunity to serve as principal of Cascade High School. Growing up in East Wenatchee, Leavenworth has been a destination city and the Cascade School District is one of great reputation with a history of excellence.

This year marks his fifteenth year in public education. He has varied experience as a teacher and school leader. For the first eight years of his career, he taught a variety of grades and content areas. He taught US History for most of his career, with ELA, Current Events, and Sociology rounding out his teaching experience. While teaching, he was able to build connections beyond the classroom and coached multiple sports for over 10 years, including baseball, basketball, football, and softball. After eight years in the classroom, he was able to serve as the principal of Warden Middle School for two years, and most recently as the principal at Haller Middle School in the Arlington School District for the past five years.

Trever’s passion is developing positive relationships with students, staff, and families while maintaining the highest level of academic and behavioral expectations. He has a diverse skill set that includes a wide range of training in instructional methodology, behavioral management, and cultural competency. He knows that school districts often serve as the centerpiece of a town’s culture and experience and fostering a positive and effective school to home partnership is essential. He is tremendously grateful to be a candidate for the next principal of Cascade High School, and he looks forward to meeting the staff, students, and community.

James Swanson
Education and Credentials
Swanson had a BS: Washington State University MEd: Grand Canyon University School Administration: Washington State University

James Swanson is a dedicated educator with twenty-five years of experience as a teacher, building leader, and mentor. James creates positive change in the districts and schools where he practices. Building positive relationships, being transparent, and utilizing a collective decision-making model are cornerstones of his leadership philosophy. James has a strong belief that all students can learn and that every student should have equal access to a high level of rigorous academics, social emotional support, and an educational experience that will create fond memories for years to come.

James understands that education is more than simply academics. It is also a learning environment that teaches social skills to navigate our complex world. School spirit, exposure to today’s professions, and engagement in the school and local community are a vital part of the “school experience” for students. James models a love of learning and has current professional interests in organizational learning, transformative leadership, and restorative practices being used in conflict resolution in schools.

James is currently the principal of Icicle River Middle School, and he is also in the Doctorate Program in Educational Leadership through Washington State University. Previously, James was the middle school principal at South Whidbey Middle School. He is a National Board-Certified teacher and continues to dedicate time and energy to evolve as an educator.

When he is not at school or taking classes, James can be found mountain biking, trail running, skiing, and enjoying the outdoors of the Northwest. He and his fiancé, Carrie, currently live in Leavenworth and call this beautiful area home. He and Carrie both look forward to continuing to contribute their experience and skills to this impressive community.