Dear Cleveland STEM High School Community, 

I am pleased to announce that Principal Jeff Lam has accepted the position as the new Cleveland principal. He will begin his tenure in August for the upcoming school year. 

Principal Jeffrey Lam was selected through a formal interview process. Hiring the new school leader for Cleveland STEM High School was completed through a rigorous interview process. Principal Lam was selected by the interview panel. After their recommendation, I interviewed Principal Lam for this position. 

Most recently, Principal Lam served as the acting principal for Denny International Middle School during the 2022-23 school year and Franklin High School acting principal for part of the 2021-22 school year. 

Principal Lam is an equity driven leader who has a strong focus and advocacy for our students and families furthest away from educational justice.   

His vision for equity, collaborative leadership, connection with students and staff, and demonstrated community outreach and engagement over the course of his leadership were key factors in the decision to confirm him as the Cleveland principal. 

Prior to working as an administrator, Principal Lam was a special education and English language arts teacher at Health Sciences and Human Services High School (HS3) on the Evergreen campus in Highline School District. 

He is a proud graduate of the Danforth Educational Leadership Program and holds a B.A. in comparative history of ideas and English literature (UW) and an M.Ed. in special education (UW). He lives in Seattle with his family. 

We will be setting up an opportunity for Cleveland staff, students, and families to meet the new principal. Please join me in welcoming Principal Lam to Cleveland! 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Brent Jones 
Superintendent 
Seattle Public Schools