Superintendent's Message
Welcome to Dieringer School District, where we have had a rich history of excellence since 1890 in the beautiful Lake Tapps area. Dieringer Schools serve just over 1,400 students from Pre-Kindergarten through Eighth grade in three school buildings; Lake Tapps Elementary, Dieringer Heights Elementary, and North Tapps Middle School.
It is my sincere honor to lead the district as the Acting Superintendent for the 2024-25 School Year. I came to Dieringer in January to serve as the Executive Director of Student Services and I immediately knew it was a special place, with rigorous standards and caring professionals. When asked to serve as this year’s superintendent, it was very easy to agree to lead and guide the over 90 classroom teachers and more than 110 other staff who supervise, feed, transport, and care for our students, families, and community. Traditions run deep in Dieringer, with almost a third of our teachers having more than 20 years of teaching experience, many of them only in Dieringer!
My family has lived in the greater Puyallup area for the past 22 years, so my previous work has been in districts along the 512 corridor, both in the Franklin Pierce School District and Clover Park School District, where I have served as an elementary teacher for 9 years and as a school administrator for the past 13 years. My husband, Paul, is a pastor in the Puyallup area. Together we have three adult children who live in Tacoma, Port Orchard, and the Beaverton, Oregon area. We are blessed to have two sweet grandchildren, who remind me of my personal mission to this work every day.
I recognize the importance of strong partnerships between our schools, families, and the wider community. Together, we can create a supportive network that empowers our students to achieve their dreams. I encourage you to get involved, whether through volunteering, attending school events, or participating in our various parent and community groups. I welcome your email, calls, and visits, as we work together to strengthen our services to our students.
Thank you for being part of the Dieringer School District community. Together, we will continue to build a bright and successful future for all our students!
Warm regards,
Dr. Paula Dawson
