Haring Center
2. School Leaders Who Make a Difference
As questions are asked and answers are revealed in the fields of education and disability, it is the principle responsibility of the Experimental Education Unit (EEU) Principal to support for the children, families and staff.
Throughout 50 years, the manner in which the EEU Principal has accomplished this task has changed considerably. Starting in 1965, the EEU’s first principals Harold Kunzelman, Bill Hulten, Dale Gentry, and Kevin Cole were determined to increase the access to education for all children with disabilities. At that time, many children with disabilities or delays were expelled from the public school system for reasons that had nothing to do with academic performance or discipline, leaving many families without options for their children’s education and future well-being.
More recently, the EEU has been fortunate enough to have just two principals in the last 25 years. This consistency of leadership has enabled the EEU to best serve children and families.
Jennifer Annable’s tenure (1985-2010) began the inclusion era at the EEU. Many studies, techniques, and curricula were developed to increase positive outcomes for all children in inclusive classroom settings. Jennifer’s passion for inclusive education emanated throughout the EEU as she helped families navigate the public school system and advocate for their children’s needs. Annable oversaw the implementation of the Infant Toddler Program, ECEAP (Head Start) and Project DATA into EEU classrooms. Through these programs, families with younger children, autistic children, and at-risk preschoolers and kindergartners were able to find receive inclusive education for the first time in the Seattle area. Annabelle was also instrumental in the creation of the annual EEU Auction, which has raised more than $6 million in 13 years. Due to the incremental decrease of public funding allocated for education, without the auction, the Haring Center would not be around today.
For 50 years, the EEU Principal’s office has evolved to oversee the day-today innovation by our staff, while remaining conscious that our services meet the needs of our students, families and community.
Since 2010, Chris Matsumoto focused his efforts to building inclusive communities outside the EEU’s walls, while strengthening instruction in the classroom. He implemented new curricula to the preschool and kindergarten programs, and founded the Family Support Program designed to meet any challenges that EEU families might encounter. Partnering with local businesses and school districts, Chris has expanded the EEU’s reach to relay the message that ability is not a barrier to friendship and education.
For 50 years, the EEU Principal’s office has evolved to oversee the day-to-day innovation by our staff, while remaining conscious that our services meet the needs of our students, families, and community. We look to these leaders to renew our mission daily to make inclusion happen so that every child feels the EEU is a place where they belong.