Jacqueline Downey Named Assistant Superintendent

The Issaquah School District has named Jacqueline Downey as the district’s next assistant superintendent, beginning July 1, 2025. A Skyline High School graduate, Downey brings a strong track record of instructional leadership and a deep commitment to public education. She returns to ISD with nearly 20 years of experience in multiple leadership roles across public schools. 
 
“Jacqueline brings the experience, mindset and collaborative leadership style that aligns with our district’s commitment to equity, excellence and continuous improvement,” said Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick. “As one of our cabinet team’s senior leader guiding school leadership and instructional vision, she will ensure stability, continuity and an unwavering focus to help students thrive.” 
 
In her new role, Downey will supervise executive team members to ensure that school leaders and instructional strategies align with the district’s strategic goals. She will continue the district’s efforts to advance academic achievement, improve instructional quality and increase access to high-quality learning experiences for all students.  
 
“As an alum of Skyline, I’m honored to return to the Issaquah School District and give back to the community that shaped me,” Downey said. “I believe in the power of public education to transform lives, and I am committed to building on the district’s solid foundation to support every student, every day. I look forward to working closely with a highly collaborative team of school and district leaders who share a deep commitment to equity, innovation and student success.” 
 
Downey currently serves as instructional leadership executive director for Highline Public Schools, where she supervises middle and high school principals, leads principal professional learning and supports the development of high-impact school improvement plans. Under Downey’s leadership, schools have adopted new instructional frameworks and programs, strengthened collaboration, and improved outcomes through re-engagement strategies focused on credit recovery and increasing graduation rates. She also uses instructional rounds to ensure active learning and engagement are consistent across schools, providing targeted feedback that supports improvements without disrupting classrooms or systems. In addition, Downey led the launch of dual-language programming in high schools to promote equity and expand student access. 
 
Before her current role, Downey was a principal and assistant principal in Highline and began her career as a middle school language arts teacher in Denver, Colorado. Throughout her career, she has focused on equity, student belonging, and increasing academic rigor through culturally responsive, student-centered practices. In her free time, Downey enjoys spending time outdoors, running, and gardening with her husband and two sons. She also enjoys singing and musical theater, which she first discovered and developed during her years as a student in the district. 
 
Downey holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and music from Whitman College, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Colorado, and a principal certificate from the University of Washington. She will earn her doctorate in educational leadership from Johns Hopkins University in August 2025. Downey's leadership development includes participation in prestigious programs such as the Washington Association of School Administrator's Aspiring Superintendent Academy, the American Association of School Administrators National Principal Supervisor Academy, the Association of Washington School Principals Chief Education Officer Cohort, and a Certificate in School Management & Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. 
 
Please join us in welcoming Jacqueline Downey back to ISD. Her experience, vision and instructional leadership will help guide the next chapter of our district’s work to serve students, staff and families.