Michael Silver, who served as Tukwila school superintendent for 17 years starting in 1986, died Tuesday morning after a long illness.
Mr. Silver was an assistant school superintendent in St. Louis, Mo., before he replaced John Fotheringham as superintendent of what was then called the South Central School District.
Tukwila School District employees were notified of Dr. Silver’s death Tuesday afternoon.
“Dr. Silver impacted countless lives in the Tukwila School District during his 17-year superintendency from 1986 to 2003. His legacy includes passing $60 million in bonds to build and modernize all the current school buildings, including the administration building.
“He also implemented research-based instructional programs and developed collaborative partnerships to improve student learning with help from community groups, government agencies, and local foundations,” the message to employees reads.
Mr. Silver resigned in October 2003 and was replaced by James Hammond.
Mr. Silver received numerous honors during his career, including Superintendent of the Year Award from the Washington Library Media Association 2000, Excellence in Educational Leadership Award from the University Council for Educational Administration (1998) and an A+ Award from the Washington Council for Economic Education (1992).
Mr. Silver was director and associate professor of educational administration in the College of Education at Seattle University. He designed the Program for New Principals leadership coaching project which has received over $1 million in grants since 2006, according to Seattle University.
He also served as department chair of professional studies in the College of Education at Seattle University.
He earned his doctorate degree from Washington University in St. Louis.
The funeral for Mr. Silver is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 21 at 1 p.m. at Butterworth’s/Arthur Wright Chapel, 520 W. Raye St., on Queen Anne Hill.
Seattle University will hold a remembrance for Mr. Silver when students and faculty return to campus this fall.
