Dr. Deborah Rumbaugh
At its regular session board meeting on March 3, 2025, the Marysville School District Board of Directors appointed Dr. Deborah Rumbaugh as interim superintendent, effective immediately, following the resignation of Dr. David Burgess. Dr. Burgess, who served as superintendent for the past six months, announced his decision to step down at the board meeting, citing his desire to return to retirement and spend time with family.
In a heartfelt message to the board, staff, and community, Dr. Burgess shared, ‘It has been a privilege to serve the Marysville School District’s students, families, staff, and the Marysville and Tulalip communities; however, the district requires a long-term leader, and at this stage of my life, I'm looking forward to returning to retirement. I want to thank the board for giving me the opportunity to serve my community as superintendent. In my 54 years as a K-12 educator, it has been some of the most difficult yet rewarding work I have done. When I began, I set three goals: First, to ensure we controlled spending during the school year so the district would have a positive ending fund balance - I am proud to report we are on target with that goal. Second, to establish a multi-year plan that will help the district move out of Binding Conditions; and third, to solve the lack of continuity in leadership. No district can succeed with a revolving door in the superintendent’s office. I am thrilled to say we have an incredible candidate ready to replace me. I wholeheartedly encourage the board to employ Dr. Deborah Rumbaugh as the next superintendent. I am confident that under her leadership, the district will be able to continue the important work in place and thrive. My decision to step away now allows the board to appoint a new leader who can seamlessly continue the important work we've begun. Dr. Deborah Rumbaugh is that leader. Her experience as a superintendent, coupled with her deep understanding of Washington State education law, rules, regulations, instructional requirements, and school district funding, and her current work on our school consolidation plan, makes her uniquely qualified to lead this district forward.’ ‘Stepping away now does not mean that I won’t stay connected! I am deeply committed to our schools and the Marysville and Tulalip community and will continue to help and support when and where I can,’ he added.
"The school board thanks Dr. Burgess for his dedication, commitment, and service to the district’s students, staff, and community during some of its most challenging times. We are thankful to have Dr. Rumbaugh step in and continue the path forward. Her knowledge and expertise will serve the district well," said Connor Krebbs, President of the Board of Directors.
Through her school consolidation work, Dr. Rumbaugh has established relationships with staff, principals, the school board, families, and community members. She and her family are deeply invested in this community. Her husband's roots in Marysville, being a Marysville Pilchuck graduate and a teacher in the Lakewood School District, combined with her own commitment to students and families, demonstrate her long-term dedication to the success of our schools. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve as superintendent in the Marysville School District. I look forward to further getting to know our students, families, staff, and the Marysville and Tulalip communities, and working side by side to continue the important work Dr. Burgess has begun,” said Dr. Rumbaugh. “Thank you, to the Board of Directors, for your confidence in me to serve as the next leader of the Marysville School District. I look forward to the opportunity and the work ahead,” she added.
Dr. Rumbaugh will be administered the oath of office at the next regular session board meeting on March 17, 2025.