Leadership Update

The Yakima School District is pleased to announce that Erin Thomas has been selected as the Director of Student Services, effective today, July 1, 2024.

A graduate of West High School in Phoenix, Arizona, Erin began to pursue higher education at Phoenix College and became a licensed insurance agent at the young age of 19. After the birth of her child, Erin became interested in education and became a Montessori Directress, teaching children from preschool age through 8th grade at Oakridge Montessori. Her interest in the learning process and student achievement led her to pursue further education, obtaining an AA degree from Yakima Valley Community College, a Bachelor's degree in Education, and a Master's degree in Education Administration from Heritage University.

In 2014 she joined the Yakima School District as the assistant principal at Whitney and Nob Hill elementary schools. In 2016-2017, she served as the assistant principal at Nob Hill and the K-12 district director of arts and music. She was subsequently appointed as the principal of Nob Hill Elementary in 2017, where she has served for the past seven school years. The highlight of Erin’s time at Nob Hill is the school moving out of improvement status. Nob Hill has won two state awards for closing the achievement gap, which Erin attributes to the incredible work and dedication of the Nob Hill staff. In 2022, Erin received the Excellence in Education Crystal Apple Award.

In addition to her professional commitments, Erin is an active member of her community, serving as a Sunday school teacher and participating in game management for high school sports. Erin met her husband Don the day after she moved from Arizona to Washington. They have been married for over 37 years and have one daughter, Taurie, who has followed in her mother’s footsteps to become an educator. Erin enjoys music, reading, traveling, and sports, but her true joy comes from spending time with her extended family, who love to compete in video, card, and board games.