Meet Our Superintendent: Dr. Lance Gibbon

The Hood Canal School District Board of Directors proudly welcomed Dr. Lance Gibbon as superintendent in July 2023. Now in his third year of leadership, Dr. Gibbon has made a powerful impact—leading to regular contract extensions. Under his guidance, the district has earned multiple state and national awards, secured millions of dollars in competitive grants, gained regular media attention, and successfully passed a $19 million capital levy to expand and renovate the school.

During his second year at Hood Canal, Dr. Gibbon was selected by the Washington Association of School Business Officials (WASBO) as the 2025 Leader of Distinction, an award given to only one superintendent in the state each year.

With more than 12 years of experience as a superintendent and over 30 years in education throughout Washington State, Dr. Gibbon brings deep knowledge and a proven track record to Hood Canal. He has served as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and adjunct professor. He holds a B.A. in Music Education, a Master’s in Educational Leadership, and a Doctorate in Education from Seattle Pacific University.

Beyond his professional credentials, Dr. Gibbon is deeply committed to community engagement. He has partnered with organizations such as the Skokomish Tribe, Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Community Foundation, Kiwanis Club, and the Hood Canal Education Foundation to strengthen support for students and families.

A proud Mason County resident, Dr. Gibbon lives in the Hood Canal area with his family. A former professional musician, he enjoys visiting classrooms and assemblies to lead singalongs and plays keyboards at his local church.

We are grateful for Dr. Gibbon’s continued leadership and dedication to the success of every student at Hood Canal School District.

Superintendent/School District Executive Assistant

• Susan Vining, Executive Assistant

• Email Susan Vining

• Phone: 360.877.5463 ext. 117

Fall 2024

Dear Hood Canal Community,

This past year has been a period of significant growth and improvement at Hood Canal School, and we’re excited about the positive changes taking place. A major highlight is the implementation of our new English Language Arts materials, selected with care last year. This updated curriculum is already enhancing our instruction and supporting the success of every student.

In addition to curricular improvements, we have successfully secured competitive grants that provide vital resources for our programs. We’re also thrilled to report improved student attendance and notable gains in reading scores, reflecting the hard work and dedication of our students and staff.

As we look ahead, our focus turns to strategic planning this fall, where we will lay the groundwork for continued progress. An important part of this effort is a new capital project levy proposal set for February, aimed at addressing our facility needs to create an improved learning environment for all students. While we have much to celebrate, we recognize there is still important work to be done, and we remain committed to improving outcomes for every student, every day.

None of this progress would be possible without the incredible efforts of our staff, the strong relationships we have with our families, the invaluable support of our community partners, and our collaboration with the Skokomish Tribe. These partnerships are the foundation of our success, allowing us to make a lasting impact on our students' futures.

Together, we are building a brighter future for all our students, and we are eager to continue this journey with you. Thank you for being a vital part of our school community.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lance Gibbon, Superintendent

Dr. Lance Gibbon’s goals for the 2025–26 school year focus on advancing student learning, strengthening belonging and wellbeing, deepening partnerships, and modernizing facilities and technology to prepare students for a successful future.

Future-Ready Learners

Student-Centered Learning and Growth
Strengthen instructional practices through aligned curriculum, data-informed decision-making, and instructional coaching. Expand hands-on learning in STEM, the arts, and outdoor education, while ensuring strong academic, social, emotional, and behavioral supports for every student.
Outcome: Higher student engagement, achievement, and wellbeing.

Everyone Belongs and Thrives

Inclusion, Opportunity, and Safety
Create a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment through strong social-emotional learning, positive behavior supports, and meaningful cultural connections—especially through partnerships with the Skokomish Tribe.
Outcome: Improved school climate, attendance, behavior, and student wellbeing.

Partnerships That Power Success

Family, Tribal, and Community Engagement
Strengthen communication and collaboration with families, the Skokomish Tribe, and community partners to enrich learning, expand student opportunities, and build meaningful connections to local culture, history, and careers.
Outcome: Strong partnerships, increased engagement, and expanded student leadership opportunities.

Spaces That Inspire, Tools That Transform

Facilities and Technology for the Future
Advance major facility improvements, modernize learning spaces, enhance technology systems, and responsibly integrate AI tools to support learning and operational efficiency.
Outcome: Safe, modern, flexible learning environments and improved access to technology.