With Gratitude for a Life That Touched Many: Honoring Northport Superintendent Don Baribault
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A Message from Superintendent Robert Roettger
As the school year draws to a close and many graduation celebrations have already taken place, I want to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation to the thousands of classified and certificated staff across the NEWESD 101 region. Your tireless work and dedication to students, families, and communities do not go unnoticed. Thank you for everything you do, and I hope you enjoy a well-deserved summer break.
While most districts are wrapping up their final days of school, our colleagues and friends in the Northport School District are facing unimaginable grief. Over Memorial Day weekend, a devastating accident in Long Beach, Washington, claimed the lives of a Northport High School student and Superintendent Don Baribault, who also served as the district’s beloved baseball coach.
What should have been a joyful journey to the state playoffs turned tragic. Our hearts are with the families, staff, students, and community members mourning these tremendous losses.
Don Baribault was more than a superintendent. He was a mentor, a coach, a colleague, and a friend. His deep roots in Northport ran through the very heart of the district. A Northport alumnus himself, Don returned to serve his community, first as a teacher for 14 years, teaching middle school, shop, and math. He later served as principal for five years, and superintendent for the last 10.
One colleague shared, “To me, Don truly, honestly cared about his work in the school and community. He was calm, decisive, and always approachable. He had a way of connecting with students unlike any superintendent I’ve ever seen. He spoke to them, never at them, and he offered staff the same respect. You could go to Don with anything, and he would always have an answer.”
That same staff member recalled a day when a student was wandering the school grounds, clearly in distress. Without hesitation, Don left his office, sat beside the student, and listened. Quietly. Compassionately. The moment was captured in a photo from behind, two people on a bench, one in pain, the other offering presence and support. That image, like Don himself, speaks volumes.
His actions spoke louder than words. Whether driving a student to an eye appointment to make sure they got the glasses they needed or continuing to tutor students in math while serving as superintendent, Don was committed to every student’s success and well-being.
Don gave his life in the ultimate act of service, trying to save a student in trouble. In doing so, he showed the kind of courage, selflessness, and love that defined his career and his character.
If we are fortunate in this profession, we leave a legacy, measured not in years served, but in lives touched. Don’s legacy is profound. As one Northport staff member put it, “We will miss Don forever. His work here will never be forgotten.”
To the families of both Don and the student, and to the entire Northport community, please know you are in our hearts. May we all carry forward Don Baribault’s example of quiet strength, steady leadership, and deep care for the people we serve.
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