When it comes to struggling students, Robert Maxwell has seen his share in his time in the education field.

But he also sees those youths — and a pair of programs he helped initiate — as opportunities for growth.

Maxwell joined Sequim School Board directors and staff in a daylong campus visit and interview Tuesday, as the Sequim School District hosted the second of four finalists for superintendent.

The new superintendent will replace Bill Bentley on July 1.

Maxwell is executive director of special programs with the Bethel School District.

He started in the education field as a middle school teacher in the Snowline Joint Unified School District in California before taking on positions as assistant principal (1994-96) and principal (1996-2004) in the Bethel School District.

“I have a heart for struggling students,” Maxwell told a group of board directors and community members Tuesday afternoon.
“I want every student to have the opportunity to excel.”

His education background includes a Bachelor of Science in fish and wildlife management from Utah State University in 1986, a Master of Education in school administration from Azusa Pacific University in 1994 and a Doctorate of Education from Washington State University in 2011. He earned his Washington state superintendent’s credential in May 2008.

Maxwell said he was interested in the Sequim opening after looking at the geography of the area, and at the community activity and support.

“There are great things happening here; it’s very appealing,” he said.

Maxwell also expressed interest in allowing for students to be creative and inventive, in strong early childhood education, and in showing the benefits of a strong school district throughout the community.

Bethel is the 13th largest district in the state with nearly 18,000 students. The district has 17 elementary schools (K-6), six junior high schools (7-9), three senior high schools (10-12), an alternative school (8-12) and two online academies.