Sequim Gazette staff

His final day at the district office is still a few weeks off, but Sequim schools superintendent Bill Bentley already is saying some goodbyes.

Bentley was the speaker at the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce luncheon Tuesday afternoon.

The district’s top administrator said he is encouraged about the future of local schools.

Superintendent in Sequim since 2007, Bentley steps down from the position on July 1, to be replaced by Kelly Shea of Spokane.

Bentley told the luncheon audience he’ll miss a few things about the job.

“I’m going to remember the people I work with and the students I work for,” he said.

Bentley detailed what he thought are the three top challenges for Sequim schools: finances, facility issues and student performance. But, he noted, students, teachers and the community have worked hard to address all three challenges in recent years with success.

“For them (students), it’s all about the future, which is why it’s such an inspiring place to be,” Bentley said.

“I think our future is in great hands.”