Seals, read below for a personal message from our new principal for the 26-27 school year, Aron Bodwitch. He will be joining upcoming community events so stay tuned for opportunities to meet him in person! 

I first moved to Seattle 14 years ago after accepting a job as a one-to-one Special Education Instructional Assistant in SPS. In my first few days there, I walked around my new neighborhood as much as possible, trying to get a feel for this city that was now my home.

On one of those exploratory walks, I stumbled across North Beach Elementary, tucked away just north of my apartment. Even then, I could sense that North Beach was a special school and community: the surrounding neighborhood exudes tangible love and passion for the school. 

During my time in SPS, I’ve come to know North Beach Elementary as a place of exceptional teaching and learning, where all students receive the instruction and support to reach their full potential as learners and citizens. 

I’m honored and humbled to be the incoming principal at North Beach in 2026-27, and I look forward to partnering with you to ensure every child in our community has access to the exceptional school experience they deserve.  

I began my career in education as a teacher at a small, alternative high school in rural Maine. What I initially viewed as short-term adventure quickly developed into a deep and abiding love for – and belief in – teaching and education.

After moving to Seattle, I completed my Master’s in Teaching at the University of Washington and had the joy of teaching 4th  and 5th grade at Olympic Hills Elementary in Lake City.  

More recently, I earned a Master’s of  Education Leadership from Columbia University, and served as an instructional coach and assistant principal at Broadview-Thomson PK-8. I have a deep appreciation for Broadview-Thomson, and will be finishing the 25-26 school year at there while preparing for the principalship at North Beach.  

At the heart of my work as an educator is a belief in listening to students, families, and staff, and building partnerships that allow every child to thrive. I believe... 

 - That families are essential partners in a school's success, and that the strongest schools are built through ongoing dialogue, shared ownership, and a genuine commitment to hearing every voice.  

- That excellent, culturally responsive instruction, designed with all learners in
mind, is the foundation of an equitable school, and that teachers grow best when they collaborate, reflect, and learn together.  

- That every student must feel a true sense of belonging in their school community, and that a student's social-emotional wellbeing and their academic success are inseparable.  

At North Beach, I will start by listening to all of you, and will work in partnership with families, staff, and students to build a school where every child feels deeply connected, challenged, supported, and celebrated. 

I can’t wait to begin this work together, and I look forward to meeting our North Beach community this spring and summer as we lead into the new school year!