Randy Taylor

Randy Taylor will take over as Hazen High School’s interim principal for the 2013-2014 school year, replacing John Kniseley, who accepted a position at Kentwood High School.

Taylor most recently served as principal of Mount Si High School for six years, and also spent five years as the Auburn High School principal.

He holds master’s degrees in education and school administration from Central Washington University. In 2003, the Washington Library Media Association named Taylor the High School Principal of the Year.

The Association of Washington Secondary School Principals also named him the Washington State Regional Distinguished Principal in 1998 and 2009.

Pending Renton School Board approval July 17, Taylor will begin his duties immediately. His appointment will give the district time to conduct a thorough search for a permanent replacement in a process that is expected to engage staff, students and the community.

That’s not the only change to Hazen’s administration, though. Susan James will take over as the school’s new assistant principal, replacing Sam Yuhan, who accepted the principal position at Eisenhower Middle School in the Everett School District.

James most recently served as an administrative intern and English teacher at Auburn Riverside High School. She holds a master’s degree in education, curriculum and instruction. In 2009, she was named Auburn School District’s Teacher of the Year.

In June, Hazen’s dean of students Sena Camarata, announced she would be joining the staff at Skyline High School in Sammamish as an assistant principal.

Camarata also taught science at Hazen. She spent several years working as a biochemist and teaching advanced science classes.

Ed Crow, Hazen’s assistant principal, will return next year, providing experience and continuity to the school’s changing administration.