April 2025 | DR. CHRISTINA KISHIMOTO
Heather Tow-Yick, Superintendent of Issaquah School District in Washington state, brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as an educational leader. With a background that includes teaching in the South Bronx and a deep commitment to excellence, access, and opportunity, Heather has dedicated her career to transforming education systems.
Heather’s leadership philosophy, encapsulated in her mantra “stronger together,” shines through as she discusses navigating complex policy issues, engaging with legislators, and fostering student agency. Her innovative approaches to student representation and passion for developing young leaders offer valuable lessons for educators everywhere. Join us as we explore Heather Tow-Yick’s vision for public education, her strategies for overcoming challenges, and her unwavering dedication to creating a brighter future for all students in Issaquah and beyond.
Enjoy the conversation with Dr. Kishimoto and Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick below.
The following transcript has been edited for length and clarity.
Dr. Kishimoto:
Welcome to The Stories We Must Tell. I’m Dr. Christina Kishimoto, your host, and today I’m excited to have Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick of Issaquah School District in Washington with us. Welcome, Heather!
Superintendent Tow-Yick:
Thank you Dr. Kishimoto! It’s great to be here.
Dr. Kishimoto:
Thanks, Heather. Please call me Christina. We’re neighbors in Washington, and I’d love for our listeners to learn more about Issaquah School District and its name.
Superintendent Tow-Yick:
Issaquah is located east of Seattle in the Puget Sound region. It’s a beautiful area, often referred to as the Issaquah Alps, with mountains and Lake Sammamish providing scenic views. The district covers 110 square miles and includes parts of Sammamish, Renton, Newcastle, Bellevue, and unincorporated East King County.
Issaquah’s growth has been driven by the local tech economy, with companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Costco headquartered nearby. Our district serves around 19,000 students, with a diverse population—40% white, 35% Asian American/Pacific Islander, 10% Hispanic/Latino, and more than 10% multiracial, including Black students. We are proud of our high graduation rates and are focused on expanding services for students with disabilities, English language learners, and those facing economic challenges.
Dr. Kishimoto:
What a beautiful area to live and lead in. Why did you choose to serve there?
Superintendent Tow-Yick:
My “why” is rooted in a commitment to providing access and opportunity to all students, especially those from underserved backgrounds. I began my career as a teacher in the South Bronx, where I witnessed the systemic barriers to education. Over time, I realized that I could make a larger impact by working within the system, setting vision, and leading teams to drive change at scale. I came to Issaquah after my husband retired from the military, and the district’s values of excellence, access, and opportunity, as well as its diverse community, really resonated with me.
