Lake Stevens School District Superintendent Ken Collins will retire this June after dedicating 34 years of
service to Lake Stevens—three as superintendent.
Since joining the district in 1990, Dr. Collins has fostered an educational environment where every
student can thrive. Under his leadership, the district has continued to be one of the top academic
performers in Snohomish County.
"Ken’s retirement is a well-deserved celebration, yet it undoubtedly leaves a void in our district,” said
Mari Taylor, President of the Lake Stevens School District Board of Directors. “His extraordinary
leadership and advocacy for our students, employees and families has been pivotal. Throughout his
tenure, Ken has overseen notable academic growth and dedicated himself to creating inclusive, safe and
supportive school environments. We are immensely thankful for his unwavering commitment to
educational excellence and wish him the very best in his retirement."
Dr. Collins will remain in his position through June 2024. Details of the process to select a new
superintendent are being finalized by the Lake Stevens School District Board of Directors, and will be
shared once complete.
"As I reflect on the past 34 years in Lake Stevens School District, I am filled with pride and gratitude,” said
Dr. Collins. “Serving the Lake Stevens community has been more than a career; it has been a privilege
and an incredibly rewarding journey. Together, we have faced challenges, celebrated successes, and
above all, we have worked tirelessly to create a nurturing educational environment for our students. As I
move towards retirement, I am confident that the district will continue to flourish, and I look forward to
seeing the ongoing positive impact our schools will have on future generations."
A legacy of educational leadership
Dr. Collins got his start as a high school social studies teacher at Marysville Pilchuck High School, where
he worked for six years before transitioning to Lake Stevens High School (LSHS). After teaching and
coaching at LSHS for 12 years, Dr. Collins became the high school principal for six years. From there he
joined the district office as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resource Services before becoming
the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, and finally the Superintendent.
Born and raised in Cashmere, Wash., Dr. Collins earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Education from
Washington State University. He also earned a Master of Education Administration from Central
Washington University, his administrative credentials from City University, and his Doctorate of Education
from the University of Washington. Dr. Collins and his family have strong ties to the Lake Stevens
community—all three of his sons graduated from Lake Stevens High School.
In addition to his leadership within the school district, Dr. Collins is also a member of the Lake Stevens
Rotary Club and is a member of the WIAA Superintendent Advisory Council.
Under Dr. Collins’ leadership, Lake Stevens School District made numerous notable accomplishments,
including:
- Renewal of the district’s educational programs and operations levy, and technology levy
- Finalization of the 2016 school construction bond projects, including:
- Building of new Early Learning Center and Stevens Creek Elementary School
- Modernization and expansion of Lake Stevens High School
- Improvements to safety and security in all schools
- Districtwide health, educational and infrastructure improvements
- Revitalization of the district’s strategic plan, the Foundation for Excellence
- Leadership and guidance of the Student Advisory Council (SACo)
- Formation of the Facilities Needs Advisory Committee to prioritize district facility needs on behalf of the Board of Directors
- Continued work and professional development opportunities around Trauma Informed Practices; Multi-Tiered Systems of Support; Social Emotional Learning; and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Lake Stevens School District facts
- 14 schools/programs
- Comprehensive high school (grades 10-12)
- Mid-high school (grades 8-9)
- Two middle schools (grades 6-7)
- Seven elementary schools (grades K-5)
- Early learning center (preschoolers)
- Homeschool parent partnership program
- Transitions program for students who receive special education services
- Current enrollment: 9,459 (headcount as of Sept. 21, 2023)
- Number of employees: 1,253
- Largest employer in the city of Lake Stevens
