Bellevue School Superintendent Takes Leave for Family

superintendent Amalia Cudeiro is on indefinite family leave starting this week to attend to her mother, who has entered hospice.

Cudeiro said in a letter to staff that her mother in California has been battling cancer and recently suffered a stroke.

"Due to the wide range of medical, legal, financial and emotional issues that accompany such a family issue, I have made the difficult decision to take a leave at this time to support my mother," she wrote in the letter, addressed to staff on the Thursday before Bellevue schools went on winter break.

Eva Collins, assistant superintendent of Instructional Services and School Support, will take on a temporary role as Interim Superintendent, Cudeiro said in her statement.

"The decision to take this leave has been a very difficult one for me because I am committed to the direction and in support of the outstanding work occurring in this district. I am only able to step away for this leave at this time because of the amazing work by each and every colleague in this district. Our direction for children is clear and the team in place in every building is experienced and committed, so I am comfortable to take this temporary leave for my family," Cudeiro wrote.

A "" event, an event for parents and community members to meet with district administrators, scheduled for Jan. 4 at Newport High School will be held with Collins, if Cudeiro has not returned by that date, according to the Bellevue School District.