DoDEA

PEACHTREE CITY, GA — October 20, 2008 — Dr. Elaine Beraza, Director, Department of Defense (DoD) Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools (DDESS) and Department of Defense Dependents Schools, Cuba, (DoDDS-Cuba) announced today that Mr. Walter Coulter has been named the new Principal for Wassom Middle School on Fort Campbell, in the Kentucky District. He replaces Dr. Elaine Gallivan who retired from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) after 32 years of service.

Coulter has served as interim principal of Wassom since July. He began his career with the DODEA in 2005 as the assistant principal of Fort Campbell High School. He brought secondary principal experience from public schools in Wyoming and California and a private international school in Kuwait to that position.

"I am very pleased that Walt Coulter has accepted the principal position at Wassom Middle School,” said Dr. Jo Blease, Kentucky District Assistant Superintendent. “During his time as interim principal, he has energized parents, staff and students with his vision for Wassom Middle School as a community of learners committed to academic and community excellence.”

Originally from the Midwest, Coulter served six years in the U.S. Navy. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff. He is currently working on his doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Nevada. Coulter has one son, 15-year-old Zachary Coulter.