Progressive Seattle K-12 School Appoints Strategic Digital and Systems Leader
The Bush School
Founded in 1924 and inspired by John Dewey’s philosophy of progressive education, The Bush School is Seattle’s only independent K-12 school, serving 745 students. The mission of The Bush School is to spark in students of diverse backgrounds and talents a passion for learning, accomplishment, and contribution to their communities. For over 100 years, Bush has been grounded in the educational philosophy that “students learn best by doing.” Across two incredible campuses—one in the historic Washington Park neighborhood of east-central Seattle and another in the Methow Valley on the eastern slopes of the North Cascades—Bush students engage with challenging and robust academic programs and solve complex problems in the classroom and beyond through a variety of experiential learning opportunities. As a result of these experiences, students learn how to make an impact on their community that is meaningful and enduring.
The Bush School sought a director of technology to oversee the school’s IT infrastructure, systems integration, and data management, and to ensure that technology reliably and strategically supports schoolwide operations. The director is ready to engage in thought partnership around instructional technology, and partner with the assistant head of school for K-12 programs, division directors, and division technology coordinators to make sure that technology seamlessly integrates in the classroom and supports the school’s teaching and learning initiatives. The director directly supervises three employees in the technology department, providing hands-on leadership, inspiring a culture of proactive and reliable end-user support, and overseeing infrastructure upgrades—many of which are already underway this school year via a recent engagement with an external MSP. The director of technology reports to the CFOO and will begin on or before July 1, 2026.
The Bush School was thrilled to welcome David Olinger to the position.
Meet the new leader
With two decades of experience as an educator and systems leader, David Olinger has built and aligned digital learning environments, guided organizational change, and supported teachers with a consistent focus on the student experience. He began his career in the classroom teaching English, Theology, History, and Photography before moving into strategic and operational leadership roles. Most recently, he served as Director of Digital Strategy at O’Dea High School, where he oversees the school’s technology ecosystem across academics and operations while continuing to design innovative, experiential learning opportunities. Mr. Olinger holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Seattle University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Xavier University.
