La Center school superintendent to retire at end of 2020-21 school year

La Center will have a new school district leader come next school year.

Dave Holmes, district superintendent since 2016, announced he’ll retire from the La Center School District at the end of the 2020-21 school year after a 30-year career in education. The school board voted last week to enter contract negotiations with Pete Rosenkranz, La Center’s current assistant superintendent, to be Holmes’ successor effective July 1.

Holmes began his career in education as a substitute teacher in La Center in 1992 and has been a math teacher, assistant high school principal, high school principal and assistant superintendent. He took over as superintendent in 2016 after serving two years as superintendent at the Three Rivers School District in Southern Oregon.

“Dave has been an incredible leader for the La Center School District,” Board Chairman Todd Jones said in a news release. “His thoughtful guidance and collaborative style have been instrumental in La Center’s advancements over the last five years.”

Rosenkranz has worked in education for 29 years, including the past seven in La Center as assistant high school principal, special education director and now as assistant superintendent.  This school year, he’s also led the district’s COVID-19 planning.

“Pete has the experience and heart for the position,” Jones said. “I know he will continue to do amazing things for La Center.”

La Center is the third Clark County district to have a change at superintendent. In December, Battle Ground Superintendent Mark Ross announced his retirement at the end of the school year, and Vancouver Superintendent Steve Webb will retire in 2022, but his final day as VPS superintendent is June 30, 2021.