Band and Orchestra at Meany Middle School

Hello! My name is Chanda E. Oatis, and I am the proud Principal of Meany Middle School in Seattle Public Schools. Throughout my career in this district, I have had the honor of serving in many roles—as a student, teacher, parent, House Administrator, Assistant Principal, Interim Principal, and now Principal. Each experience has strengthened my belief that schools thrive when we build authentic relationships with students, families, educators, and our communities.

I have dedicated my career to creating educational environments where all students feel intelligent, valued, challenged, and supported. I believe our responsibility as educators is to provide inclusive, culturally responsive, and engaging learning experiences that honor students’ identities, maintain high expectations, and prepare them for their futures.

My journey as Principal of Meany Middle School began in 2016 when I was selected as the planning principal to help reopen this historic school. In 2017, we cut the ribbon, opened our doors, and welcomed our first students into a new chapter of Meany’s story. It has been an incredible privilege to watch those students grow, and many of them are now college graduates and young professionals pursuing careers and lives they are proud of. Being part of their journey has been one of the greatest honors of my career.

Prior to returning to the middle school level, I had the privilege of serving as the principal of two Seattle Public Schools elementary schools. Those experiences deepened my understanding of family partnerships, early learning, and the importance of building strong foundations for student success. My heart, however, continued to call me back to middle school, a time when students are discovering their identities, developing their voices, and preparing for their next steps.

I am a proud product of Seattle Public Schools. I started and completed my own K–12 education in this district, and I continue to believe deeply in its mission and promise. My connection to SPS is also personal. My oldest daughter attended Leschi Elementary, Lakeside Middle School, and Garfield High School before graduating from Hampton University, where she participated in ROTC. She now serves our country as a Captain in the United States Army.

My middle daughter is currently experiencing middle school herself and is thriving through academics, sports, theater, and extracurricular activities. My youngest daughter is in fourth grade and is passionate about her family, education, sports, and friendships. As both an educator and a parent, I am on a shared journey with our students and families—celebrating their successes, understanding their challenges, and recognizing the importance of creating schools where every child feels a true sense of belonging.

I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Seattle Public Schools and the Meany community. I remain committed to leading a school where every student is welcomed, challenged, supported, and empowered to discover their brilliance. Together, we will continue creating opportunities for all students to achieve and thrive.