Cabinet

Dr. Ivan Duran

Dr. Ivan Duran is a proud product of public education. He was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. An early passion for reading and learning sparked his interest in being an educator. He has served over 30 years in public education, most recently as the Chief of Acceleration and Recovery for the Renton School District.

Dr. Duran previously served as superintendent for the Bellevue School District. As superintendent, Dr. Duran led with a focus on racial equity and inclusion, creating systems to support academic, social-emotional, and behavior development for all students.

Prior to Bellevue, Dr. Duran was deputy superintendent of the Dallas Independent School District and assistant superintendent for elementary education for Denver Public Schools. He has also served as a principal supervisor, director of instructional technology, principal, assistant principal, and teacher.

Dr. Duran’s core values include a passionate commitment to educational equity, dedication to continuous improvement aimed at results, and a collaborative and transparent leadership style. He holds a doctorate in Education Leadership and Policy Study from the University of Denver, a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado, and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Metropolitan State University of Denver. 

Dr. Duran is an avid athlete, paddleboarder, life partner, father, and cook. He and his wife, Dr. Kelly Kovacic-Duran, share a passion for implementing equity in education, raising two bilingual boys (Mateo and Joaquín), enjoying their resident canine (Gracie), and exploring the great outdoors.

Sharon Colby, Executive Assistant
206-631-3070 

Jenniffer Reinig

This is Jenniffer’s twenty-third year in public education. She began her career as a teacher at Hilltop Elementary and has served as a literacy coach, principal in Seattle Public Schools and Highline, and Instructional Leadership Executive Director (ILED) supervising Highline elementary schools. Since 2016, she has served as Executive Director in Teaching, Learning & Leadership, leading Special Education, Highly Capable programming, Elementary Success, and Social-Emotional Learning.

Jennifer holds a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Puget Sound. She is currently earning an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Gonzaga University (expected July 2022.)

Cheryl Schindel, Executive Assistant
206-631-3073 

Catherine Carbone Rogers 
As the Chief Communications Officer at Highline Public Schools, Catherine oversees strategic communications and all aspects of internal and external communications, including publications, family notification system, the website and social media presence. She has led the communications office in Highline since 2005.

Catherine first became involved in Highline Public Schools as a parent and an active member of the campaign organization supporting school bond and levy ballot measures. She was hired to a communication staff position in 2001. Her two children attended Highline schools K-12.

Previously, Catherine worked as a news reporter and anchor at television stations in Seattle, Spokane, and Boise. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Political Science from Washington State University.

Linda Isguerra, Communications Assistant
206-631-3002

Kisa Hendrickson 
As a Seattle native, Kisa received her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Master of Social Work degree from the University of Washington. Prior to working for Highline Public Schools, Kisa was a family law and adoption paralegal. Kisa believes strongly in bringing a diverse family and student voice to the district leadership level and gathering supports for students and families to eliminate barriers to academic success. When not working with schools, families and community, Kisa spends her time with her husband and two young daughters.

Ronae Ruffer, Executive Assistant
206-631-3108

Scott Logan 
As the Chief Operations Officer Scott assists the Superintendent in providing leadership and vision by implementing the operational priorities of the school district; and is a member of the Superintendent's cabinet. His day-to-day management efforts ensure that all district support departments maintain a safe, clean learning environment for staff, students and the community.

Prior to assuming his current responsibilities as COO, Scott served as the Director of Transportation and Interim Director of the Safety and Security Department. You will often find him out in the Highline community, volunteering his time as board member with the Normandy Park/Des Moines Rotary, the Des Moines Food Bank, and the Blues and Brews Festival.

Kelly Barron , Executive Assistant
206-631-3076

Becca Chen

As the Chief Financial Officer at Highline Public Schools, Becca oversees the district’s strategic fiscal policy and financial services including budget, accounting and payroll.

Previously, Becca was a director of business operations and served on the college president’s cabinet in Seattle Central College.

Becca is a graduate of Federal Way High School and holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University of California: Irvine. Her extensive background includes work in tax policy, data analytics, tax reporting, purchasing, accounting, facilities, project management, budgeting and operations. 

As a first-generation immigrant, Becca experienced the complexities of navigating school while both parents worked and went to school. A mission-driven individual, she believes in public schools as the greatest equalizer and is committed to building equitable school systems. She is active in her community, serves on the PTSA board at her son’s school, and volunteers through various organizations. 

Kelly Barron, Executive Assistant
206-631-3076

Holly Ferguson, J.D.
As the district's Chief Policy & Strategy Officer Holly works closely with the School Board and provides strategic thought partnership to schools and departments.

Holly received her undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Oregon, and her law degree from Willamette University College of Law. Holly joined Highline Public Schools in 2013, after 11 years with Seattle Public Schools.

Ronae Ruffer, Executive Assistant
206-631-3108

Dr. Steve Grubb
With support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Steve led the effort to restructure a human resources department with greater focus on recruiting teachers and administrators of color. Steve has also served as a teacher, principal and school supervisor. His doctorate in education is from the University of Washington.  

Christy Hoppe, Executive Assistant
206-631-3121

Teshon Christie

As Chief of Digital Transformation & Innovation, Teshon oversees the Department of Technology Services (DoTS) and is responsible for the design and implementation of districtwide data and voice infrastructure, software applications and use, internet connectivity and traffic, data security and end-user technical support.

206-631-3330