It is with great excitement and pride that we welcome Mr. John Farley as the next Superintendent of the Kittitas School District.

John is a highly effective educational leader with more than 26 years of experience serving students, staff, and communities across Washington and Montana. He currently serves as Superintendent of the Republic School District, where he leads a rural district with a strong commitment to student-centered systems, fiscal responsibility, and meaningful community engagement. Throughout his career, John has demonstrated a proven ability to drive school improvement, manage complex budgets exceeding $12 million, and secure significant competitive grant funding to modernize facilities and expand learning opportunities for students.

Under his leadership, districts have earned state recognition for closing achievement gaps, strengthening MTSS and PLC practices, and building sustainable systems that support both academic success and student well-being. John’s professional journey as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent provides him with a true classroom-to-boardroom perspective and a deep understanding of the daily work that happens in schools.

John is deeply committed to collaborative leadership, strong labor and board relations, and transparent communication, especially within rural communities where schools serve as the heart of the community. He holds a Superintendent Leadership credential from the University of Montana, a Master’s degree in Educational Administration, and multiple superintendent and principal certifications in both Washington and Montana.

As John begins this next chapter with Kittitas, we extend our sincere thanks to the Kittitas School District community, staff, and students for your trust, partnership, and continued dedication to serving kids. We look forward to the work ahead and to the shared journey of supporting every student’s success together.

Tim Praino

Interim Superintendent

Kittitas School District

Congratulations, Preston. Montana-Western is getting a good one!