Veteran - Parent - Teacher - Principal - District Superintendent


Rich Semler was born in Seattle and raised in Spokane. The oldest of six children, Rich began delivering newspapers, working in fields and mowing lawns to help with family expenses at age 12. Rich graduated from Shadle Park High School then attained a B.A. in Zoology from the University of Washington, meeting his mother's expectations that all her children be educated.

After college, Rich enlisted in the U.S. Army and served a tour in Vietnam. During that time, Rich determined that the best way he could continue to serve his country and his community after his discharge from the army would be through the field of education, specifically, teaching students in the public school system. Rich went on to earn his teaching degree at Eastern Washington University.

Rich's career in education began in a fifth-grade classroom and includes extensive experience teaching at the elementary, junior high and college levels; coaching track and wrestling; and serving as a vice-principal and principal. Rich earned his masters at Gonzaga University and his doctorate at the University of Washington. He has over two decades of district-level leadership experience, which includes two years as assistant superintendent in Issaquah School District and four years as assistant superintendent in Wapato School District on the Yakama Nation Reservation. Rich served six years as superintendent of Vashon Island School District and currently is serving his eleventh and final year as superintendent of the Richland School District.

Throughout his 36-year career, Rich Semler has earned the respect of colleagues, supervisors, parents and teachers. Rich received the Washington Award for Excellence in Education in 1989 and the Washington State PTA's Outstanding Educator Award in 2007. Rich's decision to run for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction comes from his commitment to public schools and students; a belief that new leadership is essential if the state is to fulfill its paramount duty to all children; and outrage that the state's current direction in education is failing students and taxpayers alike.

Rich and his wife Ginny have been married for thirty-seven years, and their two children, Travis and Wendy, are successful public school and college graduates. Ginny is retired from her teaching career of 25 years.

Rich Semler has the experience, the understanding and the courage to make changes in Olympia that will improve public schools for students, parents and teachers.