The Washington Conference Office of Education will be transitioning leaders at the end of 2013. Kelly Bock came out of retirement to lead the education team in western Washington. He is retiring for the second time at the end of 2013.
“Kelly came out of retirement to serve as education leader in Washington Conference and went above and beyond the call of duty in caring for both the vice president for education job as well as serving as interim principal at Auburn Adventist Academy,” says Doug Bing, Washington Conference vice president for administration. “We are very grateful for his service and wish him the best as he retires for the second time.”
Education leadership will continue in 2014 with Archie Harris, who accepted the invitation to become the new vice president for education. Bock will assist Harris in education leadership on a part-time basis until a new associate superintendent is selected.
Harris is no stranger to the Pacific Northwest. He first joined the Washington Conference team in November 2012 after teaching more than 18 years in Montana Conference. The last six and a half years of his time in Montana he served as director of education, youth, communication and health. He has additional elementary and secondary teaching experience in Upper Columbia Conference.
He was raised in Montana by parents who are lifelong educators. He graduated from Mount Ellis Academy in Bozeman, Mont., and Walla Walla College (now University). Harris and his high school sweetheart, Deanna, have two college-age daughters.
Washington Conference operates 20 faith-based elementary and high schools with 1,305 students in grades kindergarten through 12 in addition to 11 early childhood education centers in western Washington.
Archie Harris will lead the Washington Conference education team starting on Jan. 1, 2014.
Kelly Bock is retiring for the second time from education leadership.
Washington Conference's education team — currently featuring Archie Harris as associate superintendent, Shelley Schurch as administrative assistant, Shirlene McClendon as early childhood coordinator, Joyce Moore as administrative assistant, and Kelly Bock, vice president for education — are dedicated to helping 20 faith-based schools in western Washington on their "Journey to Excellence." Harris will be stepping into the vice president role when Bock retires at the end of 2013.
