MLSD hires longtime educator Kevin Rupprecht for leadership role

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District chose Washington educator Dr. Kevin Rupprecht as its new assistant executive director of secondary teaching and learning. He brings nearly 20 years of experience in school leadership, administration and classroom instruction to the district. 

Previously, the role was held by Katie Phipps; however, she took the role as the new Frontier Middle School principal July 1. 

Rupprecht joins Moses Lake from Clover Park School District, where he most recently served as assistant superintendent overseeing eight secondary schools with approximately 5,500 students.  

In a statement, district officials said his work focused on strengthening collaboration between schools and the district office, supporting professional development for school leaders and advancing equitable educational practices. 

According to the district, those efforts helped Clover Park achieve graduation rates exceeding 92 percent. 

In his new position, Rupprecht will provide leadership for Moses Lake's secondary teaching and learning programs and work alongside principals, teachers and staff to improve instruction and student achievement while supporting the district's strategic priorities, according to the statement from MLSD.  

"Dr. Rupprecht is a proven instructional leader whose career has been defined by improving student outcomes, supporting educators and building strong school communities," said Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Voni Walker in a statement from the district. "His collaborative leadership style, depth of experience and unwavering commitment to academic excellence make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team. We are excited to welcome him to Moses Lake." 

Rupprecht spent eight years as principal of Lt. Gen. W.H. Harrison Preparatory School, an International Baccalaureate World School in the Clover Park district. During his tenure, the school maintained graduation rates above 95%, expanded student opportunities through the International Baccalaureate program and improved staff retention while fostering a culture focused on academic excellence and continuous improvement. 

His previous leadership experience also includes serving as assistant principal at Clover Park High School, administrator of Lakewood Career Academy and administrator at Forks High School. Before moving into administration, he worked as a middle school and high school English and history teacher. 

Rupprecht earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Seattle Pacific University, a master's degree in educational leadership and administration from the University of Washington Tacoma and a bachelor's degree in education from Pacific Lutheran University. He also holds a Washington superintendent certificate. 

District officials said Rupprecht's appointment marks a return home to the Columbia Basin. 

"We're excited to have Kevin joining the staff at Moses Lake School District," said Ryan Shannon, the district's director of public relations in an interview with the Columbia Basin Herald. "It's an opportunity, obviously, for him to return to his Columbia Basin roots, being a native of Warden. For the district, it's an excellent opportunity to bring his leadership skills to our team and we're just thrilled to have him on board." 

Rupprecht said he is looking forward to becoming part of the Moses Lake community and helping support student success across the district's secondary schools. 

"I am excited to be joining the Moses Lake School District team," Rupprecht said in the district’s statement. "It is great to be returning to the Columbia Basin where I grew up, and I look forward to contributing to the community. It's going to be a great year of learning." 

Rupprecht is expected to begin in his new role during the week of July 13. The Columbia Basin Herald will have an additional story in the near future profiling Rupprecht as he enters his new role in the district.