Administration

Beginning on July 1, 2023, Dr. Kelly Aramaki began his role as the Superintendent of Bellevue School District.

Kelly grew up in Bellevue, graduating from Newport High School. He attended the University of Washington and earned his Bachelor of Science in Zoology with a Minor in Music. He then earned his Master of Arts in Teaching from Columbia University in New York with an emphasis on inclusion of students with special needs in the general education setting and early childhood education. In 2018, he earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Washington.

Kelly Aramaki started his career in education as a 4th and 5th grade teacher at Newport Heights Elementary here in the Bellevue School District. After receiving his principal certification in 2003, he was appointed principal of Maywood Hills Elementary in the Northshore School District. After four years at Maywood Hills, he served as the principal of the John Stanford International School in the Seattle Public Schools, during which he received the National Milken Educator Award. From there, he served as the principal of Beacon Hill International School, where he was named Washington State Principal of the Year in 2013. He then served for five years as an Executive Director of Schools in Seattle supervising K-12 schools in the southeast region as well as elementary schools across the city. In 2018, he returned back home to Bellevue to take on the role of Executive Director of Schools, overseeing half of the elementary schools.

Kelly and his wife and daughter live in Bellevue near Interlake High School. They enjoy spending time in the community as well as traveling to and exploring new places.

Jeff Thomas is the Executive Director of Human Resources.  Jeff is responsible for the human resource functions which include recruitment, hiring, retention, evaluation, managing bargaining and integration of support systems for all Bellevue employees.  His role is demonstrative of the interdependence of Human Resources with all of our schools and departments to support the Mission of BSD and the focus on students.

Prior to Bellevue, Jeff spent nine years in the Scottsdale Unified School District, the last two serving as the Associate Superintendent with a focus on strategic planning and community outreach.  Jeff started his career in 1988 as a high school English and Spanish teacher in Tucson, Arizona after graduating from the University of Arizona.  In 1996 Jeff began working as a UniServ Director/Organizational Consultant for the Arizona Education Association until 2005 when he joined Scottsdale.  Jeff earned his master’s in 1996 and his doctorate from Arizona State University in 2011, both in educational leadership and administration.

Jeff is a practitioner of continuous improvement and Interest Based strategies, both of which have significantly impacted his view of educational leadership and support for schools. His wife, Susan, is high school assitant principal and his son, Alek works in the service industry. They enjoy traveling, sports, anything outdoors and have a long list of places to visit.

Janine Thorn is a marketing communications professional with over 15 years of experience in education. She has vast experience building communications processes, marketing, and public relations campaigns and is known for her ability to work collaboratively. She also brings unique skills to innovate and integrate digital, print, and in-person communications. She is experienced in digital marketing and advertising, website development, and integrated marketing campaigns, including partnerships with the League of Education Voters to produce podcasts for educators. She is keenly focused on strategy and integrating marketing campaigns to promote education, inform school communities and aid public relations. Her marketing and communications work in the education sector extends to: The National Resource and Training Center, Skylight Professional Development, Lesson Lab Pearson Education, Career Education Corporation, Seattle Pacific, and Northwest Universities.

As a graduate of public schools, Janine is uniquely interested in school public relations, remembering her time as a student like those she now serves. She is a member of the Washington School Public Relations Association (WSPRA) and the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). She is currently the NSPRA National Vice President of Diversity Engagement.

As Chief of Staff, Johns serves as liaison to the School Board; leads the development and implementation of District policies and procedures; provides strategic guidance, counsel, and technical support related to strategic and annual plans and initiatives; and leads legislative advocacy, government relations, and legal affairs.

John has a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, BC (Canada) a Masters degree in Administration and Superintendent Certificate from Western Washington University. He began his career as a high school social studies and physical education teacher in BC and was a long time high school principal, most recently at Mercer Island High School. As a principal, he led the development and implementation of innovative curriculum and programs and created student-centered learning communities that serve all students.

John joined the Bellevue School District in October 2011 and lives in Bellevue with his wife Anissa and two children who attend BSD secondary schools. They also have four adult children, two of whom are educators.

Dr. Heather J. Sánchez is a dynamic and visionary educational leader with over two decades of experience driving innovation, access and excellence across diverse public school systems. As Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Bellevue School District, Dr. Sánchez serves as a core member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet and Superintendent’s Designee, where she leads cross-functional operational departments and strategic initiatives that streamline systems, enhance student and family experiences, and align resources with the district’s 2024–2030 Strategic Plan.

In her current role, Dr. Sánchez leads a broad portfolio of essential district functions, including operations, infrastructure, and student services. Her leadership has driven forward-looking initiatives in sustainable design, long-range planning, and the ethical use of technology in education. These efforts have enhanced system-wide efficiency, modernized learning environments, and deepened collaboration with community and government partners.

Previously, as Chief of Schools for the Bellevue School District, Dr. Sánchez played a pivotal role in elevating district performance and advancing educational excellence. She led the implementation of a multi-year strategic plan, expanded access to innovative academic programs, and championed inclusive practices that improved student outcomes and well-being. Her work has been recognized for its impact on literacy, multilingual education, and student support systems.

Dr. Sánchez’s earlier roles include Director of Accelerated Programs, Choice and Innovation in Lake Washington School District, where she expanded access to gifted and dual credit programs and launched innovative learning models. As a principal in both Riverview and Bellevue School Districts, she led award-winning schools and pioneered dual language and STEM initiatives. Her foundational experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and gifted coordinator in New Mexico and Colorado grounds her leadership in classroom practice and student-centered design.

Dr. Sánchez holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and an Executive Leadership and Superintendent Certification from Seattle Pacific University. She also earned an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction and a K–12 Principal Credential from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and a B.S. in Secondary Education from Western New Mexico University. She is certified as a Superintendent and PreK–12 Principal in Washington State and holds superintendent certifications in multiple states.

A multilingual, community-centered leader, Dr. Sánchez is deeply committed to inclusive systems, universal design for learning, and authentic partnerships with families and community stakeholders. She is a proud member of the Chiefs for Change Future Chiefs and Women Leading Ed Emerging State Executives leadership cohorts. In recognition of her contributions to public education, she has received numerous honors, including the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) Doyle E. Winter Excellence in Educational Leadership Award and the Washington State School Achievement Award. She also serves on professional organizations and community boards, sharing her expertise to advance educational excellence and opportunity for all students.

Originally from New Mexico, Dr. Sánchez is passionate about celebrating cultural and linguistic diversity and ensuring that every student has access to enriching educational experiences. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her husband, César, and their three sons.

Dr. Melisa Macias is an educational leader with over fifteen years of experience in promoting equitable outcomes, fostering collaboration, empowering educators, and centering students in all initiatives.

As Executive Director, Dr. Macias supports and supervises Counseling, Multilanguage, Early Learning, Advanced Learning, and Innovation departments within the district. She is responsible for developing and implementing the district’s strategic plan and priority goals. She oversees the curriculum for all subjects and grades in elementary, guiding the adoption of instructional resources and working closely with the curriculum staff to provide quality resources and instructional practices. She also supports teacher leader coaches and professional development in the district.

Previously, Dr. Macias served as a Teaching and Learning Director, where she coordinated the induction program for new teachers and expanded Computer Science to six elementary schools. She has also been a principal in schools with Title I and Dual-Language programs and served as Assistant Principal of Tillicum School, overseeing AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), MLL (Multilanguage) services, and ISA (International Spanish Academy). Her career began as a classroom teacher, Multilanguage/Bilingual Facilitator, and Language Arts Specialist.

Dr. Macias holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Arkansas State University, and a doctoral degree in educational leadership from the American College of Education.
In her free time, Dr. Macias enjoys traveling with her husband Ricardo and their two boys, Mason and Milo. They have traveled to Europe, Asia, North America, Australia, and Africa, believing in exposing their children to different cultures and traditions.

With roots in Monterrey, Mexico, Dr. Macias is committed to fostering an inclusive educational environment that celebrates cultural and linguistic diversity. She believes in the limitless potential of the Bellevue School District community and strives for innovation, holistic student development, and continuous improvement to ensure every student’s success from preschool through 12th grade.

As Chief of Schools, Aaron Miller leads efforts to create and sustain powerful, equitable learning environments and experiences across all Bellevue School District schools. He serves on the Superintendent’s Cabinet, which provides strategic direction for the district and oversees the implementation of both the Strategic Plan and Annual Plan. His role involves ongoing collaboration with school leaders, educators, staff, students, families, and community partners to ensure every school offers high-quality, engaging educational experiences that support deeper learning and student success.

 Mr. Miller has served in the Bellevue School District for 23 years, holding roles as Director of Schools, Middle School Principal, High School Assistant Principal, Dean of Students, and Teacher. In each of these roles, he has prioritized deeper learning for students, emphasizing the importance of understanding, identity, and creativity to foster agency and independence.

 He earned his administrator certification from the University of Washington’s Danforth Educational Leadership Program, a Master of Education in Teaching and Curriculum from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Ancient Studies from Washington University in St. Louis.

 Outside of work, Mr. Miller enjoys spending time with his two daughters, reading, cooking, and being outdoors.

Kellea Taylor began her career in the Bellevue School District as a student teacher at Clyde Hill Elementary. She went on to serve as principal at Bennett, Spiritridge, Stevenson, and Tillicum, where she led with a focus on equity, collaboration, and student-centered learning.

Kellea currently serves in BSD’s central office, supporting early learning, teaching and learning, and elementary schools across the district. She brings deep experience in instructional leadership and a strong commitment to building inclusive, high-quality learning environments for all students. She earned her undergraduate degree from Seattle Pacific University and completed her master’s degree and principal credential through the University of Washington’s Danforth Educational Leadership Program. Her work is grounded in the belief that every child deserves access to excellent education from the very start.

Kellea is known for fostering strong relationships, mentoring future leaders, and championing innovative practices that help schools thrive. She lives in North Bend with her husband and their two dogs, Gus and Gary, and is a proud parent of three children—all University of Washington alumni.

Scott Powers serves as the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning. In this role, Scott's key responsibilities encompass supporting the Strategic and Annual Plan in Special Education, Career and Technology Education, Instructional Technology, and the supervision of secondary instructional programs.

With a background in education, Scott has previously held the role of Director of Teaching and Learning for the last five years. Prior to that, he served as the principal at Sammamish High School and Bellevue High School within the Bellevue School District, and served as an Assistant Principal at Mariner and Kent Meridian high schools. Scott holds an undergraduate degree in Mathematics from the University of Washington and earned his Principal certification through UW's Danforth Program.

Scott is originally from Southern California but moved to the Spokane area in upper elementary. This has spurred his passion for personal endeavors, Scott enjoys skiing and surfing, balancing his dedication to education with adventure. 

As an educational leader and relationship builder, William centers his “why “ on justice, equity, access, and radical love. This is actualized by centering student voices for justice, equity, and access. He values instructional leadership and leadership development. These are demonstrated in his leadership as Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, principal-mentor, and instructor at the University of Washington’s Education Department, where he teaches the course Shaping Culture and Leading Change in the Danforth Principal Preparation.  

 
William earned the 2024 Washington State Secondary Principal of the Year award for service and leadership as the former Principal of Nathan Hale High School. Also in 2023, he earned the Foster Award for Educational Excellence from the Alliance For Education for centering justice, access, inclusion, and equity as a school leader. As a systems-level leader, he has the skill to learn, grow, and build relationships to center student voice, equity, and access to opportunity.  

 
As Executive Director of Teaching and Learning with the Bellevue School District, William leads and partners with students and educators to launch and execute strategic plan goals and initiatives. 

Melanie McGee is the Director of Program Office. She is charged with developing and leading the district’s program and initiative implementation processes, methodologies, and standards. Collaborating with district and school leaders to define, prioritize, develop, and monitor implementation of district initiatives, programs, and projects, she works to build coherence and alignment with the organization’s portfolio of work across departments and between central office and schools.

Melanie joined the Bellevue School District in 2016 as a Project Manager in the Technology Department. After successfully helping the district transition to a new student information system, she moved to the Curriculum and Instruction Department as a Program Office Manager to support the district and schools’ implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. She also served as a member of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee and continues to support the implementation of the district’s key initiatives.

Melanie holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Dayton. Prior to joining the education field, she spent 8 years in marketing and advertising building relationships with clients in healthcare, technology, and retail, helping define their brands and executing strategic marketing campaigns before taking time off to start a family. She later converted her skills and expertise to project management, working with Fortune 500 clients to bring their enterprise data visions to reality. Now building upon those experiences and championing implementation science best practices, she continues to support the district in creating systems and structures to improve outcomes for each and every student.

Melanie lives in Bellevue with her husband and three children. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, running, and playing board games with family and friends.

As Interim Chief Financial Officer, Loren Tillman leads the Business Services department, which comprises Budget, Finance, Accounting, Purchasing, and Payroll. His role involves ongoing collaboration with school board members, leaders, and staff, as well as with organizations such as the Puget Sound Educational Service District, the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the Office of the Washington State Auditor, to ensure the district's financial health.

Before being appointed to this position on July 1st, 2025, Mr. Tillman served in several positions of increasing responsibility in Business Services, including Accounts Receivable Coordinator, Accounting Manager, and Director of Accounting and Purchasing.  During much of this time, he also served as the boys ’ head Basketball Coach at Sammamish High School.

Before joining the district, he worked for more than 20 years in private industry finance and accounting.
 
Outside of work, Mr. Tillman enjoys traveling and spending time with family.