Press Release - Assistant Superintendent Selected

Cheney Public Schools is pleased to announce that Mr. Tom Arlt has been selected as the next Assistant Superintendent for Cheney Public Schools. Mr. Arlt earned his degree in Psychology and Counseling at Washington State University and five years later earned his Masters of Education at City University in Bellevue. Mr. Arlt has also completed the K-12 Principal Certification Program and Professional Administrator Certification Program, both at Seattle Pacific University. For the past four years, Mr. Arlt has served at Lind-Ritzville Cooperative Schools in many capacities to include Elementary School and High School Principal and Director of State and Federal Programs. Prior to his years at Lind-Ritzville, Mr. Arlt served the Colfax community for seven years in building and district administration (K-8 principal), eight years with the Granite Falls community as a special programs coordinator, and nine years with the Lake Stevens community in the intervention and counseling programs. The applicant screening team and the hiring committee were very impressed by Mr. Arlt’s diverse background in educational leadership and support. He comes to us with a proven record in student achievement and a strong desire to become a part of the Cheney School District and community. In a reference that was provided, it was said “I have come to know Tom as a competent, dedicated, and talented professional who works hard to best serve students and staff alike. He teaches staff how to effectively collaborate and support student achievement. He has proven himself a capable and effective leader.” In a separate letter it was shared that “He embraces the PLC and collaborative system and focuses extensively on the four essential questions with his staff. Mr. Arlt never fails to amaze me with his dedication to the education and service to the students within our district. He is a wealth of information and is eager and willing to share his knowledge to enhance the learning of others, of which I have truly benefited over the years.” Mr. Arlt will be replacing Dr. Sean Dotson, who has accepted a position as Superintendent of the Tumwater School District effective July 1, 2019.