Ms. JoLynn Berge Selected as Northshore’s Next Deputy Superintendent/Chief Financial Officer

The Northshore School District is pleased to announce that Ms. JoLynn Berge has been selected as the district's next Deputy Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer.

In an effort to bring better alignment to District operational functions, and address next year’s budget shortfall, Superintendent Michael Tolley has integrated the duties of the Deputy Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer. She will oversee Business Services, Support Services, Safety and Security, and the Technology Department. Ms. Berge will begin in the updated position on July 1, 2023.

Ms. Berge was offered the position after an extensive search that solicited interest from highly-qualified candidates from across Washington state and beyond. Ms. Berge’s broad experience in public school finance, district operations, and the Washington state legislature’s continued efforts to improve public school funding will be a valuable asset to the Northshore School District.

Over the course of her career, Ms. Berge has been directly responsible for oversight and support of facilities, operations, human resources, business services, and technology departments - providing leadership for operational programs and services, monitoring the effectiveness of district systems and structures, and assisting in establishing and implementing well-defined programs and services in all related areas.

“Ms. JoLynn Berge is an experienced public education finance and school operations professional. She has a strong and diverse track record of public engagement, building systems of support, and allocating resources that result in equitable outcomes and opportunities for students,” stated Superintendent Michael Tolley.

Superintendent Tolley added, “Ms. Berge’s collaborative working style and extensive experience will help us fulfill our student-centered commitments. I am excited to welcome her to Northshore, and look forward to our partnership in support of our students, their families, and staff.”

In response to her selection, Ms. Berge stated, “I am extremely honored to be selected as Northshore’s next Deputy Superintendent.  A great public education is every child’s right, and I am really excited to be back working more closely with staff, students, and families to fulfill that promise.”

Ms. Berge is currently the Deputy Superintendent for Capital Region Educational Service District 113, where she is responsible for monitoring over 120 programs.

Previously she served as Seattle Public Schools’ Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance gaining extensive experience in planning, organizing, directing, and supporting district operational functions including oversight of a $1 billion budget. While leading in Seattle Public Schools, she oversaw the successful passage of two major levies supporting enhanced learning opportunities for students, technology and safety improvements, and investments in new school buildings and maintenance.

Before joining Seattle Public Schools in 2016, Ms. Berge was the Chief Financial Officer for the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction where she implemented a new K-12 funding formula and oversaw a $9 billion budget.  She also developed statewide NCLB and ESSA policy for the federal grant reauthorizations. 

Prior work experience includes 10 years working for the Washington State Auditor’s Office where she worked on state and local government audits.  Ms. Berge currently serves on the Project Evident Advisory Board and is the Legislative Co-Chair for the Washington Association of School Business Officials.  Ms. Berge holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration.

Pictured above: Ms. JoLynn Berge

Additional Northshore School District information:

The Northshore School District, a high performing public school system, serving the Washington state communities of Bothell, Kenmore, Woodinville, and surrounding areas.

With a mission to strengthen community through excellence in education, the Northshore School District serves more than 22,000 students in 36 schools and programs. The District is located just northeast of Seattle, spanning 60 square miles and two counties in a fast-growing and highly desirable area for families and businesses.

Notable highlights about the Northshore School District:

• Northshore has just renewed a bold, five-year strategic plan focused on ensuring racial and educational justice.
• Northshore students are high achieving, outperforming the state average on graduation rate, the SAT, and ACT. Students also have access to robust extracurriculars in every school.
• Northshore is a language-rich district, serving students that speak over 100 languages and dialects.
• Northshore celebrates its diverse student population and is committed to supporting the unique needs of every student and helping them to succeed.
• Northshore educators are experienced, with an average of about 13 years in the classroom, and more than 73 percent hold a master’s degree.
• The District has solid community support, having just approved two educational levies and one capital construction bond in February 2022. The bond, which needed 60 percent approval from the community, will help the district continue to meet growth and support the District’s commitment to equity and excellence for years to come.