North Hill Leadership Change Draws Protest, Emotional Testimony at Board Meeting

A sudden leadership shakeup at North Hill Elementary in Des Moines has sparked protests and emotional testimony, as families demand answers from Highline Public Schools.

The district notified parents last Friday that Principal Kimberly Jones and Assistant Principal Kaitlyn O’Leary would be leaving their roles, and transferred to Des Moines Elementary. Families say the timing and lack of detail caught them off guard. Protests began quickly, with students, parents, and staff are rallying to keep both leaders in place.

At Wednesday’s May 6th school board meeting, at least half a dozen speakers addressed the issue. One student said they were speaking for North Hill teachers who were too afraid to come forward out of fear of retaliation.

Support extended beyond public comment. At least 50 people signed a petition at the meeting urging the district to keep Jones and O’Leary at North Hill.

Parent Kristen Price Jouf, and an attorney, contacted Superintendent Ivan Duran and the School Board Directors seeking answers. After not receiving a direct response, she submitted a letter to a local blog, which published it. The district did not respond directly to the parent, but responded publicly to the blog, prompting further concern and ire. She later issued a follow up, which the blog declined to publish. Finally, the superintendent contacted her by phone.

Highline Board Meeting Tonight Draws Focus on North Hill Leadership Shake-Up; Teamsters Contract

Speakers plan to address North Hill leadership transfers and show support for Teamsters, signaling a packed and closely watched school board meeting.

The Highline JournalKatie Kresly

A message from Jones and O’Leary was later shared with families and circulated widely. Some parents said Price’s follow up did not receive the same visibility.

Families are also raising broader concerns about school climate and district leadership. Some described a strained work environment and questioned district oversight, including the presence of Executive Director Sarah Talbot at the board meeting.

Parents say they want a voice in selecting new leadership and worry replacements could come through internal reassignment rather than a full hiring process. One parent described concerns about being given “sloppy seconds.” Others suggested shifting new leadership to Des Moines Elementary instead of disrupting what they describe as one of the district’s top-performing schools.

The district has not publicly explained the leadership changes, leaving many families questioning transparency and trust.

Below is Kristen Price's testimony, followed by two student testimonies, Maliha Joof and Hannah Joof, to the Highline School Board on May 6:

Video starts at 1h 18m:

Testimony Transcript provided by Kristen Price, Parent of North Hill Elem.

Good evening, Superintendent Duran and members of the Board. My name is Kristen Price. I am the parent of two daughters who have attended North Hill. Our family and this community have been fierce supporters of this district—we vote for the levies, we pass the bonds, and we show up for the Highline Schools. We have invested our trust and our tax dollars in your vision."

The Impact of Leadership
That investment has paid off because of the community fostered by Ms. Jones and Ms. O’Leary. They didn't just manage a building; they built a sanctuary for our children. But that sanctuary is being dismantled by a 'planned transition' that feels more like a strategic displacement."

The Breakdown of Professionalism
In my conversation with Superintendent Duran yesterday, he called this a 'planned move.' If so, why was it kept secret until after the transfer deadline? This lacks transparency and feels vindictive. Furthermore, the flippant and dismissive attitude shown by district leadership during the staff announcement showed a gross misunderstanding of what it means to serve families. To tell our teachers that the school’s future success is 'on them' while stripping away their leaders is an insult to their dedication."

The Culture of Fear and Psychological Safety
I see a pattern of using successful schools as 'donors' to fix district-created gaps. Most staggering, however, is the collapse of psychological safety. Superintendent Duran mentioned that staff can file formal complaints, but they have told me directly they do not feel safe. They believe speaking up is professional suicide. I am grateful with the understanding I have as of this morning, that the HEA is actively stepping in."

I implore this Board: do not jeopardize the community's trust or our future support for bonds and levies by allowing this culture of fear to persist. We demand an independent, third-party investigation into the hostile conditions and the conduct of the district officials involved.

Further, we demand immediate agency for our staff and community in the selection of North Hill’s future leadership. We refuse to let our school face the same fate of decline seen at other 'donor schools' where decisions were made behind closed doors. North Hill is a high-functioning community; we must be partners in its future, not victims of its disruption. Our community deserves 'Respect through Considerate Action,' not a culture of blame. Thank you.