As she prepares to leave Madison Middle School, former principal Dr. Jill Hudson spoke to the West Seattle Herald about the eight years she spent there and what she’ll miss the most.
“There’s such energy and enthusiasm in a middle school environment,” said Hudson. “Every day is a new learning experience.”
Hudson has seen significant changes at Madison since she first started working at the school. Family involvement has increased among the school’s diverse population and Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) test scores have steadily increased, even earning Madison a “School of Distinction” award.
“We are closing the gap,” Hudson said, “with more students of color achieving than before.”
Furthermore, Hudson is very proud of the staff at Madison today.
“They are truly lifelong learners and provide an exceptional learning experience for our students,”said Hudson.
Hudson will be leaving Madison Middle School to accept a position as principal of Nathan Hale High School. Henterson Carlisle will step in as interim principal of Madison Middle School.
“An opportunity presented itself that I couldn’t pass up,” said Hudson. “We all look for challenges in life and I was really proud of the goals we’d accomplished at mad and I was ready for the next challenge.”
Hudson has many years of experience as a facilitator for the Coalition of Essential Schools Northwest Center making her an appropriate leader for Nathan Hale, which is a member of the Coalition of Essential Schools.
Carlisle has worked in Seattle Public Schools as an assistant principal and teacher for 11 years and has four years of administrative experience, including two years as the assistant principal at Madison Middle School. He was an assistant principal and teacher at the African American Academy for five years and at Madrona K-8 for three years.
Hudson is very confident that Madison will be in good hands under Carlisle’s leadership.
“I think that Henterson is going to be a great leader and he’s going to take Madison to the next level,” said Hudson.
