Jannette Manuel is Interim Assistant Principal

Jannette Manuel, a teacher with more than 20 years of experience at Garfield, has been appointed as Interim Assistant Principal for the rest of the school year.

Principal Tarance Hart announced the move in an email to the community on Jan. 3, 2024.

Ms. Manuel, who has primarily taught Family and Consumer Science courses, previously served as Interim Assistant Principal twice, most recently in 2018.

In an interview with The Garfield Messenger in June 2019, Ms. Manuel reflected on that role, saying “I enjoy the leadership and administrative position. I helped kids in different capacities. I was able to help teachers with students who might need the extra support.”

She told The Messenger that she moved from the Philippines to the United States during high school, and became increasingly interested in becoming a teacher. “It was when I attended Ballard High School where that desire was enhanced.”

Dr. Hart said, “We are confident that Ms. Manuel’s extensive experience and proven leadership will greatly benefit our school community during this period.”

Ms. Manuel joins Mary Hopkins as an interim administrator. They replace former Assistant Principals Rebecca Carr and Gregory Barnes, who each left earlier in the school year. 

Dr. Hart says that GHS this spring will search for two permanent Assistant Principals to start in the 2024-25 school year.