As a student in the Lynden School District, David VanderYacht had big dreams of leaving Whatcom County, going to the University of Washington and, perhaps, working in broadcast. Today, after 30 years with the district, VanderYacht is one of three finalists to be the newest superintendent.
At his March 28 community forum, the current assistant superintendent took a few brief pauses, recalling memories with old friends and smiling at former students as they walked in.
VanderYacht’s connections with the community are vast and deep as someone who was born and bred in Lynden. He said his network paired with years of local education experience make him the prime candidate for superintendent in a time when rifts in the community have grown deeper.
“We have important work to do this in this community, and I think I’m uniquely positioned to help us do it,” he said to the group of approximately 40 people attending the forum.
VanderYacht fielded questions on diversity, equity and inclusion, on government mandates, on parents’ roles in public education and on his passion for education. With each answer, he circled back to his focus on making all students feel like they belong in and are loved by the school district. Without that feeling, it is much harder for students to learn.
“There’s a need to feel belonging, to feel a part of a community,” he said. “When that happens, you can achieve and grow.”
If he earns the role of superintendent, he said one of his greatest assets will be his empathetic approach to life. It allows him to understand students and the community and to meet their needs.
On the other side, he said he isn’t a “systems and logistics type thinker,” but hopes to rely on his team of administrators, staff and students to make long-term plans that will benefit the community.
As a leader, VanderYacht said trust is key. He wants to go beyond having an “open door” policy and be an active participant in the community. He will show up to Friday night football games and theater performances, and walk with students in the hallways, as he’s already done for many years.
“I think people talk to people in positions like mine when they trust that person,” he said. “ To get that trust, that means I need to be present in those schools.”
Lynden High School teacher Layne Hutchins said he thinks the school district needs to hire someone local to help repair the loss of community trust, following two years of upheaval with the coronavirus pandemic.
“We need someone who understands the community,” Hutchins said. “We need a means of mending those fences, and I see David as being the logical choice to be able to do that.”
VanderYacht was the first superintendent to host a community forum. Tavis Peterson will meet with the community on March 29, and Lisa Riggs will go on March 30. Both forums will be at 6:15 p.m. at Lynden Middle School with a virtual viewing option available.
The school district will announce its pick for superintendent on March 31.
