After placing two administrators on non-disciplinary leave pending an investigation, the Coupeville School District has hired an interim principal for an undetermined amount of time.

Thursday, Superintendent Shannon Leatherwood announced in an email to staff and families that Springy Yamasaki will transition into the role starting on Jan. 6, temporarily taking over the administrative roles covered by Principal Geoff Kappes and Vice-Principal Allyson Cundiff, who were relieved of their duties on Dec. 16.

The school district has not shared the reason behind the investigation.

In her message, Yamasaki wrote that Leatherwood worked as her administrative intern in 2009 while pursuing a principal certificate.

Yamasaki described herself as “an Island girl” who has spent more than half her life living on different islands, including Honshu (an island in Japan, where she was born), Oahu, Midway Atoll and Inlet Island.

The interim principal has 17 years of experience as an administrator and 33 years of experience in education and came out of retirement to support the district. According to her LinkedIn profile, Yamasaki served as the principal of Federal Way Public Schools and Orting Middle School. She has also taught leadership and relationship skills to adults and teenagers.

Her endorsements as a teacher are in health, fitness and science. She received a special education endorsement and coordinated services for students with disabilities. She has received multiple accolades throughout her career, including Washington State’s Assistant Principal of the Year and, for two years, Regional Principal of the Year at the Association of Washington State Principals.