We are excited to introduce Shaun Doffing as the new principal of Meridian High School beginning July 1. Doffing has been the assistant principal of Meridian High School since February 2022.

From 2016-2022, Doffing was the program manager for Skagit STEM Network where he managed and developed a variety of Career Connected Learning experiences for students and educators. Prior to that role, he taught business and AVID classes at Sedro-Woolley High School for 12 years.

Doffing received his administrator credentials from Western Washington University in 2021. He has a master’s of education degree in engagement and assessment from Walden University, and a bachelor’s degree in business education from Central Washington University.

Doffing cares deeply about fostering a sense of belonging for students, enhancing communication and providing support for all students. He is committed to creating a culture of innovation and improving upon the success of Meridian High School. We took a moment to hear more from Doffing about his goals and expectations for next year.

What steps are you taking as you plan for next school year?

Doffing: It’s really important to me that I am providing opportunities to have conversations with people. I want to talk to students, staff and families. I want to find out what they think is going well here. I want to find out what they think we need to work on. I also want to find out what they think that we need to know about. I want to make sure that when I do get started in the fall, that it’s not just my plan and my vision, but it’s a collective plan and vision.

What is special about Meridian High School?

Doffing: When I started here, I was, of course, very nervous. When I got home after my first day, my wife asked, “How was it? What did you think?” I said, “the kids are so nice!” I’ve worked in amazing places with amazing students in the past, but there’s something special about the students here. I know that has a large part to do with the work that’s already been going on here, about the staff that is here, and about the community that supports us.

When thinking about the future of Meridian High School, what are you most excited about?

Doffing: I think that there’s a lot of momentum and a lot of thought around not just helping students graduate, but helping students figure out what they’re going to do after high school. It’s really important that we think about students post secondary paths and how we can best support them. We want all of our students to be happy and successful contributing members of society.

I am also excited about the increased opportunities and graduation pathways we will have for students with the new Whatcom Early Learning Center and future skills center.

I’ve spent a really large part of my career living in Whatcom County, and then working in Skagit County. While I loved my work, I wasn’t serving my community. When the assistant principal position opened up two years ago, it felt like the perfect timing and fit. I feel very excited to have the opportunity to continue serving my community.

How has your time as assistant principal prepared you for your new role?

Doffing: It’s been great learning from current principal Derek Forbes for the last few years. He’s a very experienced administrator and he’s very generous with his knowledge and expertise. He’s been very gracious with this transition as we’re in a really unique role with me on site already. He’s been a really great leader in my two years as an assistant principal and I’ve been lucky to work with him. I look forward to continuing the good work happening here at Meridian High School and taking our success even further.