The Juneau School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathleen Yanamura to the interim principal position at Gastineau Elementary School. Yanamura is a well-known elementary school educator, with 25 years of experience in Juneau schools. She spent five years as the Principal of Harborview Elementary School.

“I'm honored to have the opportunity to serve the Gastineau community for the coming school year,” says Yanamura. “My goal is to provide continuity and support for this wonderful learning environment,” she adds, “I look forward to working with students, family and staff - and to a wonderful year ahead.”

Yanamura’s familiarity in the district, along with her work experience makes her uniquely qualified for the Gastineau job. She began her Juneau tenure as a Kindergarten teacher, moving up to older elementary grades and then to Extended Learning for grades K-5. Before becoming a principal, Yanamura was a school district Technology Trainer as well as an instructor of technology for the University of Alaska Southeast.  

During her career, Yanamura led her school through construction projects and was involved in the planning process for the recently completed renovation at Harborview. Gastineau School is currently undergoing a multi-year renovation. The project will significantly improve the school, but will also impact the staff and community as the new school year begins.  

“We feel very fortunate to have found someone who has extensive leadership experience at the elementary level, who is familiar with the Juneau community and who has already worked with our district and with some of our staff members at Gastineau School,” reports Superintendent Glenn Gelbrich. He continued, “Kathi feels like a great fit for Gastineau.”

Yanamura holds a Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Alaska Anchorage, a Master’s of Education in Educational Technology from the University of Alaska Southeast and a Bachelor’s of Education in Elementary Education from the University of Hawaii.

Yanamura’s appointment is a one-year term for the 2011-2012 school year. A full recruitment for a permanent principal is expected to begin in early 2012.