FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dr. Ivan Duran to step down as Bellevue School District Superintendent

School Board announces Acting Superintendent

Bellevue, WA

May 11, 2021

The Bellevue School District announces that Dr. Ivan Duran is leaving his position as Superintendent effective June 30, 2021. Dr. Duran was appointed Superintendent of the Bellevue School District in July 2017, after having served as a Deputy Superintendent in the Dallas School District. Dr. Duran plans to remain active in public education, continuing his passion for and commitment to equity by creating a sense of belonging for all students.

Dr. Duran's achievements include aligning the Bellevue School District around renewed and inspired Vision, Mission, and Values and seeking to lead with equity. His work has included nurturing relationships and partnering with key stakeholders in the District and community and sharing his vision within and outside of the District. Dr. Duran led the District during one of the community's most challenging times, COVID-19. 

“The last year has been the most difficult in my professional life. It has been my honor to serve BSD and work closely with an amazing leadership team, educators, and staff to make sure our students stayed connected, had resources and learned during a global pandemic,” Duran said. “I am so proud of the work we accomplished. However, I have made the difficult decision to step down as Superintendent of Bellevue School District. Personally, I need to take time with my wife and our two young sons to determine what my next professional steps will be.”

The Bellevue School Board thanks Dr. Duran for his leadership and wishes him and his family joy and success in their next chapter.

Deputy Superintendent Eva Collins has agreed to serve as Acting Superintendent until the Board is able to appoint an Interim Superintendent. Acting Superintendent Collins has served in this role previously, with distinction, and brings deep instructional knowledge as well as leadership expertise. The Board will later embark on a full search for a Superintendent to lead the District.

The Board of Directors: We look ahead with renewed focus. Students will return to full-day, in-person instruction in the Fall, with virtual options available for those who need them. We also build with gratitude on the work of every educator, staff member, administrator, family member, and above all, student, who carried our district forward during these challenging times. We will work together to put each and every student at the forefront, and look with optimism to the next chapter in our district.

The Bellevue School District, with nearly 20,000 students and 29 schools, is a diverse and dynamic district in East King County, Washington. Its mission is to “To serve each and every student academically, socially, and emotionally, through a rigorous and relevant education that is innovative and individualized. As a learning community that values one another’s humanity, we provide courageous support for an equitable and exceptional education for all students.”