The Puyallup School District has narrowed down the search for its new superintendent to just three people.
The district — which is the second-largest in Pierce County and sixth-largest in Washington state — announced the three finalists on its website. According to the website, the three finalists are:
- Rebekah Kim, who serves as the associate superintendent of Teaching and Learning in the Kent School District. The district said Kim’s career includes “district leadership roles in Kent and Highline Public Schools, as well as service as an elementary principal and classroom teacher.” They said she is known “for her focus on equity, instructional improvement, and supporting strong teaching and learning systems” and has a doctorate in educational leadership from Gonzaga University.
- Kevin Alfano, who has been the superintendent of Fife Public Schools since 2014. On the website, the district said he has nearly 30 years of experience, with his career in Fife spanning many roles, including assistant superintendent, principal, assistant principal and dean of students. The district said he is known for “collaborative leadership, strong community partnerships, and a focus on improving student outcomes while maintaining long-term financial stability.” Alfano has a superintendent certificate from Seattle University and is “completing his doctorate in educational leadership at Pacific Lutheran University.”
- Gabriel Trujillo, who is the superintendent for the Tucson Unified School District in Arizona. He was previously the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction and has previously served as a principal, assistant principal and teacher in the Phoenix Union High School District. The district said Trujillo is known for “leading districtwide improvement efforts, expanding student opportunities and strengthening academic programs.” He has a doctorate in educational administration from Arizona State University.
Kim, Afano and Trujillo are vying for the seat of former superintendent John Polm, who retired in June 2025 after being with the district for nearly five years. Deputy/assistant superintendent Richard Lasso has served as the interim superintendent for the 2025-2026 school year.
In an interview with The News Tribune, PSD spokesperson Sarah Gillispie said the district will decide a salary for the new superintendent after they select a candidate.
“That compensation for the new superintendent, their contract, will be approved by the school board in a public meeting,” Gillispie said. “After the school board selects a candidate, they will enter into our contract negotiations.”…