McMillian new principal for Whittier Elementary

Cothron McMillian has been tabbed to become principal at Whittier Elementary School.

McMillian has an 18-year history as a Seattle Public Schools administrator. Her prior positions include principal at Laurelhurst, Rainier View and High Point elementary schools, and as an assistant middle school principal.

She began her education career creating and directing the Head Start program at First African Methodist Episcopal Church, then taught first-through-third-grade and acted as an elementary level head teacher in both the Seattle and Federal Way school districts.

For the past two years, McMillian managed GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), which encourages and supports middle and high school students to prepare for and enter postsecondary education.

She has a bachelor's degree in business education from the University of Washington, a master's degree in educational leadership from Seattle Pacific University and is currently enrolled in a Seattle Pacific University's doctoral program.

McMillian replaces interim principal Julie Breidenbach, who was filling for Alex Coberly.

Coberly was removed from his position after being charged with indecent exposure earlier this year. The charges did not involve minors.

Breidenbach is returning to Lowell Elementary as principal.

Superintendent Raj Manhas and chief academic officer Carla Santorno also announced principal appointments for seven other Seattle Schools; Aki Kurose, Eckstein and McClure middle schools; The Center School; Nathan Hale High; New School and Alki Elementary.

An earlier group of principal appointments was announced in mid-May.