ENUMCLAW, Wash. — The Enumclaw School District Board of Directors announced tonight that Dr. Mark Wenzel has been selected as the district’s next superintendent, pending formal contract approval.
The Board announced its unanimous decision during a special board meeting on Thursday, May 14, following an executive session for board deliberation.
Mark Wenzel is an accomplished educational leader with more than 25 years of experience across U.S. public school systems and international schools, known for his ability to strengthen community trust, elevate teaching and learning, and build cohesive, high-performing organizations. His leadership reflects a systems-oriented mindset paired with a strong commitment to student well-being and continuous improvement. Mark brings deep roots in Washington State alongside a broad perspective shaped by leadership experiences across multiple countries.
“Selecting a superintendent is one of the most important responsibilities of a school board, and we approached this decision with great care,” said Board President Tyson Gamblin. “Dr. Wenzel brings extensive superintendent experience, a strong background in community engagement and a clear commitment to teaching, learning and organizational leadership. We are excited to welcome him to Enumclaw School District.”
The Board’s decision follows a comprehensive superintendent search process facilitated by Northwest Leadership Associates, the executive search firm retained by the Board to support the search. The district received 25 applications for the position. After careful review, the Board selected six candidates for preliminary interviews before advancing two finalists to the final stage of the process.
Community input played a central role throughout the search. Feedback from the Leadership Profile Survey, stakeholder focus groups, a community input session, finalist forums and online feedback opportunities helped guide the Board’s decision-making and identify the leadership qualities, experience and priorities most important to students, staff, families and community members.
During the finalist process, Dr. Wenzel spent a full day in the district meeting with principals, student leaders, staff, union representatives and district leaders, as well as touring schools and district facilities. Community members, staff and families were also invited to participate in a public forum and provide feedback to the Board.
Dr. Wenzel served as superintendent of Anacortes School District from 2013 to 2020, where his leadership included strengthening community engagement, supporting labor-management relationships, securing philanthropic support and passing a $90 million capital bond that supported construction of a new high school and major facility upgrades. He also previously served as superintendent of Methow Valley School District, where he launched the district’s first technology levy and helped establish a 1:1 learning environment.
Most recently, Dr. Wenzel has held senior leadership roles with Cognita Asia Schools Group, including superintendent of Stamford American International School in Singapore and regional director of education overseeing instructional quality and leadership development across schools in Singapore, India, Vietnam, Thailand and Hong Kong.
Dr. Wenzel began his career as a classroom teacher and also served as communications director for Bethel School District. He holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Washington, a Master of Science from the London School of Economics, a Master of Arts from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Arts from Earlham College.
“The Board is grateful to the students, families, staff and community members who shared their perspectives throughout this process,” Gamblin said. “Your input helped shape this decision and will continue to support a strong transition for the district’s next superintendent.”
The superintendent contract is expected to be considered by the Board at its May 18 regular board meeting. The new superintendent contract is expected to begin July 1, 2026.
More information about the superintendent search process is available on the district’s Superintendent Search webpage.