Principal Team
Principal Team at West Seattle
Principal
Brian Vance
206-252-8800
brvance@xyschool.net
Brian Vance joins the West Seattle High School team after serving as the principal of Roosevelt High School and The Center School. Mr. Vance’s career started in Montgomery County, MD as a counselor and a coach. After moving to Washington State, he completed his administrative program at the University of Washington’s Danforth Educational Leadership Program. Mr. Vance has served on a wide range of leadership groups and committees within the Seattle Public Schools and at the State level through the Association of Washington School Principals.
He is very excited about West Seattle High School. Mr. Vance has a deep passion for the West Seattle Community and a vested interest in creating an education experience that supports all student in preparing themselves for their future.
Assistant Principal
Nancy Carroll
206-252-8800
necarroll@xyschool.net
Nancy Carroll has been an assistant principal of West Seattle High School since the 2018-19 school year. Before that, Mrs. Carroll served as Special Education Assistant Director in Federal Way Public Schools. She has two Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington: German Language and Literature and Psychology; a Master in Teaching from Seattle University and earned her principal certificate from Seattle Pacific University. As a former special education and alternative education teacher, she is enthusiastic about preparing students for smooth post-secondary transitions and to prepare for success in a global economy.
Mrs. Carroll is the mother of a Seattle Public Schools graduate who’s now in college. She lived, studied, and worked in Europe and enjoys visiting family there. She speaks fluent German, pretty good Spanish, and rotten French.
Assistant Principal
Ron Knight
206-252-8800
rkknight@xyschool.net
Ron Knight has served as an assistant principal at West Seattle High School since the 2022-23 school year, bringing a wealth of experience in elementary and K-8 education to his leadership. Before transitioning to high school leadership, Mr. Knight held pivotal roles in Seattle Public Schools, including PK-8 House Administrator, Academic Intervention Specialist, Math Department Head and K-5 Teacher. These experiences honed his expertise in supporting young learners, enhancing academic intervention strategies, and fostering a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Mr. Knight holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degree from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, as well as a Principal Certificate from City University. With a deep passion for early education, he is dedicated to creating equitable learning environments that nurture academic success, social-emotional development, and readiness for future academic transitions.
As a proud father of two Seattle Public Schools graduates—one now a teacher—Mr. Knight values the importance of strong partnerships with families and communities. In his free time, he enjoys hiking local trails and exploring the world of science fiction literature.
Assistant Principal
Megan Claus
206-252-8800
maclaus@xyschool.net