Richard Best

Richard Best is the Executive Director of Capital Projects, Planning, and Facilities Operations providing oversight and direction for Seattle Public Schools’ multi-million-dollar capital levies and the projects they fund. He emphasizes creating schools that are contextually appropriate and respectful of their surrounding neighborhood and incorporating energy conservation measures through the implementation first of passive systems and then active strategies — while remaining laser-focused on the district’s work to position all students for academic success. Under his leadership, the district has completed more than 30 new or modernized schools including: construction of Hazel Wolf K-8 School, nominated for the A4LE James McConnell award; renovation of two landmarked schools, Lincoln High and Magnolia Elementary; and replacement of Rainier Beach High School, which is currently under construction. He was recently invited by the Biden-Harris Administration to speak at the first White House Summit for Sustainable and Healthy K-12 Schools Building and Grounds. Richard has served in his role at Seattle Public Schools since 2014, and held similar positions at both the Central Kitsap and Bainbridge Island school districts. Prior to his work with school districts, he was involved in the relocation of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to southeast Lake Union and Harborview Medical Center’s Long Range Capital Improvement Project. He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial design from Western Washington University.