Dear Families,
Today marks my last official day as Superintendent of Townsend School District, and I write to
you with a heart full of gratitude, admiration, and pride for this incredible community.
Serving in this role has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I have been fortunate to work
alongside remarkable students, families, teachers, staff, and board members. The Townsend
community is truly unique, defined by its immense talent, unwavering kindness, and
commitment to educational excellence.
As I step away, I want to reassure you that our district remains in excellent hands. Mr. Racht,
with his many years of experience and deep dedication to our schools, will serve as Interim
Superintendent. Alongside our skilled and passionate leadership team, I am confident they will
continue to guide the district forward with strength, vision, and care.
Reflecting on my time here, I am particularly proud of the collaborative efforts that brought the
new school building to life. This project stands as a testament to the dedication of our school
board, staff, and the entire community. Witnessing it transform into a beautiful, welcoming space
for our students has been one of the true highlights of my career.
I am also deeply proud of the innovation we have achieved together. With the support of our
team and school board, we have introduced new opportunities for our students, enhanced our
high school offerings, updated curriculum, and engaged in robust professional development for
our teachers. These efforts reflect the collective dedication to creating a thriving educational
environment.
Our teachers in Townsend are truly extraordinary! They are highly skilled, deeply caring, and
unwavering in their commitment to our students. Likewise, our students continually inspire me
with their achievements, resilience, and compassion. It has been a privilege to witness their
growth and success.
While I am saddened to leave this role, I am not saying goodbye to this community. As a proud
community member, I will continue to support and champion the Townsend School District. I
look forward to celebrating our district’s many successes alongside all of you in the years to
come.
Thank you for the privilege of serving as your superintendent. I will always cherish the
memories, relationships, and progress we have achieved together.
With deepest gratitude,
Susie Hedalen
Superintendent
Townsend School District