Dear Decatur Elementary Community, 

I am pleased to announce that Thomas Baisden has been selected as the new principal for Decatur Elementary. Mr. Baisden brings deep experience in instructional leadership, special education, social-emotional learning, and equitable and inclusive practices. He is committed to creating safe, welcoming learning environments where every child can thrive.

Mr. Baisden brings 25 years of experience to Seattle Public Schools, including five years as an assistant principal and twenty years as a special education teacher. Most recently, he served as Assistant Principal at Lafayette Elementary, following leadership roles at Bryant Elementary, Orca K-8, and Adams Elementary. His work has focused on inclusive practices, instructional leadership, student voice, racial equity, and meeting the diverse needs of all learners. 

Mr. Baisden earned his Principal Certificate from Eastern Washington University, a Master of Education from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. 

Thank you to outgoing principal Laurie Miller for her leadership and service to the Decatur Elementary community. We wish her all the best in her retirement. 

Mr. Baisden is committed to building on the strong foundation Principal Miller and the Decatur Elementary staff have created. He envisions Decatur as a community hub of inclusive excellence, where students feel safe, welcome, and engaged; staff share collective ownership of student learning; rigorous teaching meets students’ diverse needs; and families are partners in their children’s education. 

Mr. Baisden is looking forward to working with Decatur Elementary students, staff, families, and community members to make a difference for each student, every day. 

Please join me in welcoming Mr. Baisden to the Decatur Elementary community. 

Sincerely, 

Ben Shuldiner 
Superintendent 
Seattle Public Schools