State school for deaf gets a new superintendent

Jane Mulholland, superintendent at Washington School for the Deaf for the past eight years, is retiring.

Principal Shauna Bilyeu has been chosen as the school’s next superintendent, the 18th such leader in the school’s 130-year history. She will begin her new duties July 1. Mulholland will work until Oct. 1 to help with the transition.

The school conducted a nationwide search for a new superintendent. Executive Director Rick Hauan made the final decision.

Bilyeu has worked in education for the deaf community for more than 20 years and has worked at WSD for 13 years, starting as a teacher and then moving into administrative roles.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington, a master’s degree in deaf education from Lewis and Clark College and an administrative credential from Washington State University.

WSD serves students who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families statewide. For details, visit www.wsd.wa.gov.