Wahluke School District would like to welcome Michael Kantman to our Admin Team! Michael is the new Wahluke Junior High Vice-Principal starting in the 2023-2024 school year. Get to know him by reading a little bit about him below:
Michael has worked as a newspaper reporter and has had many roles in the education world! Here are some of his experiences:
- Prior to entering the world of education in 2005, he was a newspaper reporter for 10 years.
- Served various roles, such as paraprofessional, assistant, and director of a 21st-century after-school program.
- Coached football and volleyball.
- Taught Special Education, including resource and life skills.
- Has been a Middle School English and First and Third Grade teacher.
- Has served on the district curriculum committee while in Grandview and in leadership roles with classified and certified unions.
For the past six years, Michael has served as the Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Kiona-Benton City Middle School. He was also in charge of discipline, athletics, special education, and PBIS efforts. As well as oversaw building committees and was involved in leading grade-level work. Oversaw the implementation of several new classes, including STEM, Robotics, debate, and leadership. Michael was also in charge of overseeing our school's Social Emotional Learning work through our advisory classes.
From Michael!Your "Why" for the upcoming school year
- My "Why" for the upcoming year is to help make a difference. I want to work with our Team to help bring about change that creates solid foundations for middle school students while helping staff grow and evolve. I believe middle school is the foundation piece for students as they get prepared to grow up and enter the world. I want to work with our Team on making sure we are meeting those needs for students, staff and the community.
- Mattawa seems like a place that wants to grow, get better and become the best possible school district around. The more I learn about Mattawa, the more excited I am to be part of the community and our Team. Mattawa is growing, and so is the Wahluke School District. I want to be a part of that growth.
- I don't like cheese. I like the toxic Hanford ooze-type nacho cheese, but I can't stand the other stuff. It is a texture deal. I get very weird looks when ordering pizza without cheese.
- When I was a reporter, I interviewed legendary boxer Joe Frazier. It was one of the greatest professional experiences of my reporting career. (It's not a fun fact, but it was a really cool experience)
Please make sure to say hi to Michael when you see him on campus! We are excited about all the experience he is bringing to WJH and WSD Admin team.