Gov. Gregoire appoints Early Learning director

For Immediate Release: February 10, 2009

OLYMPIA�Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced her appointment of Dr. Bette Hyde as director of the Washington State Department of Early Learning.

�The children and families of our state are incredibly fortunate to have Bette coming onboard to lead the Department of Early Learning,� Gregoire said. �With her years of classroom experience and firm belief that all children have the potential to succeed, she will bring passion and strong leadership to one of our state�s most important investments.�

Hyde is superintendent of the 5,500-student Bremerton School District, well-known for its emphasis on partnering with local early learning groups to improve kindergarten readiness. She began her career as a special education teacher, and has worked as a school psychologist, principal and assistant superintendent in the Seattle, Vashon Island and Highline school districts. Hyde worked as deputy superintendent for Puget Sound Educational Services District. She also served on the governor�s Washington Learns advisory committee.

Hyde earned her doctorate from the University of Minnesota, and completed a post-doctorate administrative certification from the University of Washington.

�Bette and I served on the King County Commission on Children and Youth many years ago,� said Rep. Ruth Kagi, D-Forest Park, who chairs the House Early Learning & Children�s Services Committee. �She understands early learning and is skilled at building bridges between early learning and K-12 education. We are truly fortunate to have her in this role.�

�I�m excited about Bette Hyde�s appointment as director of the Department of Early Learning. I�ve known Dr. Hyde personally and know she has a strong reputation for the outstanding early learning program she developed as the Bremerton superintendent,� said Sen. Claudia Kauffman, D-Kent, vice chair of the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee. �She will bring with her a wealth of knowledge, experience and innovation in early learning. Her work in Bremerton has gained national attention as one of the best early programs in the state. I look forward to her improving early learning statewide.�

�Bette Hyde has been on the leading edge of the early learning movement in this state,� said William Gates Sr., co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and co-chair of the board of directors of Thrive by Five Washington, DEL�s nonprofit partner. �Her good work in preparing students for kindergarten in Bremerton is a model for others, and I am enthusiastic about the leadership she will bring to the Department of Early Learning on behalf of our state�s youngest citizens.�

�Bette�s willingness to knit together the K-12 system with the early learning opportunities in Bremerton is a shining example of how we can begin to help ensure that every child in Washington state gets off to a great start in learning and life,� said Seattle business and community leader Bob Watt, a former Boeing Company vice president who served as a co-chair of the Washington State Early Learning Council.

�This is, for me, the opportunity of a lifetime,� Hyde said. �With DEL, Thrive by Five and many other early learning partners working together, our state clearly values and prioritizes our children. I look forward to helping Washington lead the nation in ensuring all children reach their full potential.�

Gregoire created DEL in 2006 to better integrate Washington�s early learning programs and help ensure our youngest citizens are prepared to succeed in school. DEL oversees the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, the state-funded preschool program for 3- and 4-year-olds from low-income families. About 8,200 children are served in ECEAP this school year. DEL also is responsible for licensing and monitoring more than 7,500 child care centers and family homes in the state to help ensure they are safe, healthy places for children.

Hyde�s appointment takes effect April 15. She will be paid an annual salary of $141,549.

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