Union Gap School District Selects Dr. Tom Brandt As Next Superintendent (Photo) -03/13/25

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2025

 

Union Gap School District Selects Dr. Tom Brandt as Next Superintendent

 

UNION GAP, Wash. — The Union Gap School District Board of Directors has announced that Dr. Tom Brandt has been selected as the district’s next superintendent, pending successful contract negotiations. His contract is scheduled for review and approval during the Board’s regular meeting on March 25, 2025.

 

Dr. Brandt was chosen following a competitive nationwide search that included interviews, community forums, and meetings with staff, students, and families. He was one of three finalists introduced to the community earlier this month.

 

Dr. Brandt brings more than 26 years of educational leadership experience, having served as a principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. He currently works as an executive director in Dallas Independent School District, where he oversees seven schools and leads efforts to strengthen school culture, improve instruction, and raise student achievement.

 

“This is an exciting time for Union Gap, and we need a leader to continue carrying the torch for our district,” said Board Chair Nicole Rivera. “Dr. Brandt is that leader, and we are looking forward to welcoming him to Union Gap with open arms.”

 

Originally from a rural area near Fargo, North Dakota, Dr. Brandt holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Texas at Austin, a master’s degree from the University of North Texas, and a bachelor’s degree from Moorhead State University. He and his family currently reside in Dallas, Texas, and look forward to joining the Union Gap community this summer.

 

“I am honored and excited to be selected as the next superintendent of Union Gap School District,” said Dr. Brandt. “I look forward to working together with students, families, staff, and the community to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.”

 

Dr. Brandt will replace current superintendent Lisa Gredvig. Gredvig announced her retirement from Union Gap School District after nearly two decades of service to the district. Union Gap School District serves approximately 540 students in grades K–8 and is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and high-quality education that prepares students for success.

 

For more information about the superintendent selection process or about Union Gap School District, visit www.uniongapschool.org.

Union Gap School District Announces Finalists For Superintendent Position -03/10/25

News Release

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2025

 

Union Gap School District Announces Finalists for Superintendent Position

 

UNION GAP, Wash. — The Union Gap School District Board of Directors has announced three finalists for the district’s next superintendent. Following a competitive nationwide search, the finalists will visit Wednesday, March 12 to meet with staff, students, families, and community members. The finalists are:

 

Miranda Bacha
Miranda Bacha is the assistant director of instruction and housing at Mt. Edgecumbe High School in Sitka, Alaska. She has more than 20 years of experience in education, including teaching, counseling, and administrative leadership in both rural and urban settings. Bacha holds multiple degrees, including a master’s in special education and an expected doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in May. A strong advocate for bilingual education, Bacha is a proponent for culturally responsive education, closing achievement gaps, and she emphasizes inclusive, collaborative leadership.

 

Dr. Tom Brandt
Dr. Tom Brandt brings 26 years of educational leadership experience as an elementary, middle, and high school principal. He currently serves as an executive director in Dallas Independent School District, overseeing seven schools with a focus on improving school culture, instruction, and student achievement. Dr. Brandt holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Texas at Austin. A native of rural North Dakota, he is dedicated to building strong, collaborative school communities and ensuring equitable opportunities for all students.

 

Monty Sabin
Monty Sabin is an experienced district and school leader, most recently serving as superintendent in Moses Lake School District. A native of Kittitas, Wash., Sabin has also served as assistant superintendent of operations in North Thurston Public Schools and superintendent of Kittitas School District. His leadership has focused on improving student achievement, increasing graduation rates, and fostering community partnerships. He has led successful levy and bond campaigns and overseen strategic planning efforts that reflect strong community collaboration.

 

The finalists will participate in interviews with the staff, community and School Board in Union Gap on Wednesday. Community members are encouraged to attend to meet the candidates and provide feedback to the Board starting at 5:00 pm at Union Gap School.

 

The candidates are vying for the position following the retirement announcement of current superintendent, Lisa Gredvig, who served Union Gap for 16 years.  The Union Gap School District serves approximately 560 students in grades Preschool–8. The district is proud of its strong community ties, small class sizes, and dedicated staff, offering a diverse and inclusive learning environment that prepares students for success in high school and beyond.