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Dr. Laurie Dent: Superintendent

Laurie Dent headshot

Dr. Dent has served 29 years in public education and was appointed as Superintendent of the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District effective July 1, 2016. Serving in the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District since 1998, her previous role was Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services, where she lead, promoted and sustained exceptional academic achievement at all schools district-wide. Prior to becoming Assistant Superintendent, Dent served as the district’s Chief Academic Officer. 

Dent was Co-Principal at Mountain View Middle School for eight years and the Principal at Liberty Ridge Elementary for three years. During her tenure at Liberty Ridge, the school hit record levels of achievement, which lead to multiple School of Distinction awards and the Washington Achievement Award. Dent was named the 2013 Pierce County Principal of the Year for her efforts in raising academic achievement at Liberty Ridge.

Dent has received other accolades, including the  2020 NSPRA Superintendents to Watch recognition,  2021 WASA Award of Merit, the 2024 State Superintendent of the Year, and the 2026 NSPRA Bob Grossman Award in Leadership. 

The image shows two smiling women standing in front of a red background with the word "Kindness" prominently displayed, along with various heart-shaped decorations.

Dent earned her doctorate from Northwest Nazarene University in spring 2018 and her Superintendent Certification in 2016 from Washington State University.  She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pacific Lutheran University, a Master of Education in Special Education from Pacific Lutheran University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, and an Administrative Certification from the University of Washington.

In addition to her educational experience, Dent has held membership or served in several distinguished organizations, including the WASA Board of Directors, American Association of School Administrators, Washington State School Directors’ Association, Washington Association of Business Officials, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, National Superintendent’s Roundtable, National School Public Relations Association, and the National Honor Society. 

Fun fact: Dent is a member of the Marathon Maniacs and two-time Boston Marathon finisher!