On Jan. 29, the Mercer Island School District (MISD) announced the hiring of a new communications and alumni relations coordinator for the district.

Craig Degginger comes from the Marysville School District where he is the director of communications and community relations. Before that, Degginger worked for nine years as the Shoreline School District’s public information officer.

Degginger graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He has worked as a journalist and editor for many publications over the years, including editor of The Jewish Transcript for 10 years that brought him to the Stroum Jewish Community Center on the Island frequently. He is also connected to Mercer Island through his family and many cousins who live here.

“I’m impressed with Craig’s deep knowledge of communications and his working knowledge of the power and influence that social media has on information and communication,” said MISD Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano. “We are excited to have Craig join our team and look forward to him sharing his many skills and experiences with our community.”

Degginger will be recommended to the school board for final approval on Feb. 11 and is expected to start on Feb. 22.