Dolman hangs up the sheepskin

By Christian Knight

After his 32 years of service in education, the Blaine school board approved Dr. Gordon Dolman’s 128-word letter of resignation as superintendent at a November 25 school board meeting.

Dolman will continue as superintendent until June 30, 2003 when his resignation becomes effective.

“I can truly say it’s been a pleasure to serve the Blaine school district,” he said. “It truly has.”

Dolman worked for the district for 18 years, five as principal and 13 as superintendent.

“He’s been very easy to work with,” said Blaine middle school teacher and union representative Janet Mumma. “I’m sad to see him go.”

Dolman’s resignation was the second to last order on the board meeting agenda. When the board approached the item, board chair Jane Woods asked if they could just skip it.

“No,” said Dolman. “It’s time.”

“In the coming years I look forward to watching the Blaine school district continue to thrive and grow as an organization that promotes excellence and education while planning for the future,” he wrote in his letter.

He said he looks forward to a simpler life.

“I like to fish,” he said. “And my wife retired last year.”

Dolman will also continue teaching education classes at Western Washington University as he has done for three years as adjunct professor.
The Blaine school district has hired John Fotheringham of Northwest Leadership Association, a headhunter group, to find a new superintendent to take over on July 1, 2003.

Fotheringham, who helped fill superintendent vacancies in Lynden last year, said the district will determine the new superintendent by late March...