By Monika | Publisher, Northwest News
Vancouver, Wash. — Published: August 23, 20225
Scott McCallum, longtime superintendent of the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB), is stepping down after years of service, citing harassment and threats from a former employee as key reasons for his decision. His resignation takes effect Aug. 15.
In his Aug. 1 letter to Gov. Bob Ferguson, McCallum said the harassment created “significant disruption across the agency” and expressed hope that tensions would ease after his departure. He also described his decision as a chance for “fresh energy and perspective” to guide the school forward.
McCallum, who has led WSSB since 2016, was reappointed by Ferguson earlier this year. In court filings, he detailed fears that the former employee might escalate threats into violence, noting the particular vulnerability of staff and students who are blind or visually impaired. He said the threats forced him to alter his daily routines out of safety concerns.
Pam Parker, the school’s outreach director, will serve as interim superintendent for the 2025–26 school year.
WSSB, based in Vancouver, serves blind, visually impaired, and deaf-blind students. The school currently has around 50 students, employs about 100 staff, and operates on a $29 million state budget.
Nationally recognized for his leadership, McCallum helped launch the country’s first online adaptive state assessment accessible to students who use Braille. In 2022, he received the Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award from the National Federation of the Blind.
Source Acknowledgment
This report includes material from Jake Goldstein-Street, Washington State Standard.
Read the full original article at: https://washingtonstatestandard.com