Faculty
We recognize that students are significantly impacted by their teachers. Therefore, a non-negotiable for every teacher at SSCS is a clear Christian testimony, a lifestyle that is a Christian role model for our students, and a commitment to spiritual growth in their personal lives. Our teachers are carefully screened to make sure that these objectives are met.
All of our teachers hold a bachelors’ degree (several have either earned or working on earning master’s degrees) and appropriate teaching certifications from the Association of Christian Schools International and/or from the state of Washington. We are also pleased with the high level of teacher retention that we experience throughout the district, providing stability and continuity for our students and families.
We ask that all of our faculty possess a love for their subject matter and a love for the students which God has entrusted to their care. We encourage our faculty to be in regular, close communication with parents to provide for a superior educational experience for the entire family. Communication with parents is encouraged through parents attending regular parent/teacher conferences. Teachers provide email addresses and contact information so that parents may reach them as necessary. Regular communications are sent home requiring signatures from parents indicating parental observation of important documents. Technological tools such as our RENWEB school management software program allows parents to view their students’ academic records, attendance records, homework assignments, class calendar, class web page, and more.
Administrative Team
Robert White
Superintendent- M.A. Educational Administration, M.Min. B.S., presently working on Ed.D
Mr. White has served as a high school principal, elementary principal, a high school Bible and leadership teacher, and now as district superintendent. He has served on several accreditation teams with the Association of Christian Schools International. In addition to experience in education, he possesses experience working with people, and youth in particular, as a youth and assistant pastor. He is happily married to his wife Meredith, and has three children. He enjoys basketball, hiking, biking, and church ministries.
David Rehnberg
Junior and Senior High Principal
Dave Rehnberg completed his undergraduate (B.S.) and graduate (M.A.) degrees in the area of Christian education at Biola University (La Mirada California). He has received a graduate certificate in Educational Leadership and Principal Certification from City University (Bellevue, Washington) and has done post-graduate work at Tennessee Temple University (Chattanooga, Tennessee) and Northwest Graduate School (Seattle, Washington). He is currently working on a MBA though Walden University (Minneapolis, Minnesota).
Dave has served as a teacher, dean of students, and principal in Christian elementary, junior high, and high schools. He has also served in churches in a variety of positions since 1979. He has served as a Church Training Consultant and has spoken and conducted numerous training workshops in California, Illinois, Oregon, and Washington. He is currently the Principal at Tacoma Baptist High School and President of the Principals Association of Christian Schools.
Dave was born in Groton Connecticut and has also lived in California and Florida. He has lived in Seattle/Tacoma area since 1994. He and his wife Carol are avid MINI owners and enthusiasts and are recent converts to British Brass Band music.
Laura McCarty
Elementary Principal –BA from Washington Baptist College of Biblical Education, Principal Certificate from ACSI, presently working on an M.A. Educational Administration
Laura served as a teacher and supervisor at Resurrection Christian Academy in Sterling, Alaska for ten years prior to moving to Washington. In Washington she taught in the middle school at Tacoma Baptist Schools for twelve years before moving into administration in the fall of 2003 and becoming middle school/elementary principal in the fall of 2004.
In addition to her educational experience, Laura has served in a number of church ministries as well as assisting her husband in his role as camp director at Resurrection Bible Camp. Paul and Laura have three grown children and six grandchildren. Laura enjoys hiking, writing, painting, and reading as time allows.
Ryan Preis
Secondary Vice Principal- B.A Biblical Exposition, M.Div in progress, M.Ed. coursework in progress. ACSI certified Principal: all levels
Mr. Preis has served as a high school and middle school teacher for the Tacoma campus, and is now serving in his third year as an administrator. He has experience teaching secondary mathematics and Bible. In addition to an educational background, he has a ministry background including youth work as a high school youth director and Christian camp ministry as a camp director. He is happily married to his wife Kimberly, and has one child. He enjoys reading, hiking, basketball, and scuba diving.
Jo Cooksley
Elementary Assistant Principal- New Hope Campus- M.A. School Administration, B.A. in Elementary and Special Education, Washington State and ACSI certified
Mrs. Cooksley has served in the public and private school sectors as a summer camp director, elementary and special education teacher, and assistant principal. She has been actively teaching and serving children for over 20 years. She has also served on an accreditation team for Association of Christian Schools International. Mrs. Cooksley is happily married to Mark, an elementary counselor, and she has two children. Mrs. Cooksley loves working with children and women in Bible studies and church retreats. Her entire family enjoys being part of South Sound Christian Schools.
Judy Sherman
School Manager, New Hope Campus
Judy has been part of the New Hope family since 1993. Having 3 kids go through and graduate from South Sound Christian Schools from Pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, Judy and her husband, Mike, have a vested interest and affection for the district. Judy was called to office work and ministry in several positions even before she began volunteering as a parent at New Hope. Judy and her husband have been active leaders in youth ministries for 27 years. She enjoys spending time with her family, serving her community, and fellowship with those in church.
Mark Smith
Athletic Director- Tacoma Baptist Junior & Senior High School