The Renton School District recently reassigned two top principals to different positions starting next school year.

Damien Pattenaude, Renton High School’s current principal, will become the district’s chief academic officer for high schools. He will provide administrative oversight and direct supervision of district high schools principals and daily operations of high schools. He will also advise, assist administrators in addressing community, parent, student and staff concerns, a district release stated.

Pattenaude will work with the district instructional leadership team to develop, implement, monitor and revise the district’s school improvement plan, among other responsibilities.

“I’m excited, but at the same time I’m dreading my last day here as well because it’s going to be tough for me to leave here,” Pattenaude said.

He is a Renton High School graduate, has taught in district high schools and served as assistant principal. Pattenaude received his superintendent credentials from Washington State University.

John Schmitz, current principal at Dimmitt Middle School, will become the principal at Kennydale Elementary School next year.

Current Kennydale principal Bill Tarter is retiring.

Schmitz has been with Dimmitt for 16 years as a teacher, dean of students, assistant principal and for the last six years as the principal.

“This was a difficult decision for me because Dimmitt is an incredible learning community of committed, talented people,” Schmitz said. “Thanks to their hard work, the support of our families, and the effort of our students, we’ve accomplished many successes over the past six years. I’m looking forward to a new opportunity, though, to expand my knowledge and skills. The Kennydale principal position offers that opportunity.”

The district is now accepting applications for open principal positions at Renton High School and Dimmitt Middle School. Interviews are set to take place the week of April 22.