After a lifetime dedicated to serving others, Olympic Peninsula Academy Principal Ned Floeter is retiring, leaving behind a lasting legacy of leadership, compassion, and commitment to students.
Ned's story is one of service. Born and raised in Williamston, Michigan, he graduated from Webberville High School in 1979 before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1980. During basic military training, he was selected for the prestigious Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) instructor career field at Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington.
Over the course of his 20-year military career, Ned trained thousands of U.S. and Allied military personnel identified as being at high risk of capture or isolation. His work took him around the world, from the Polar Ice Cap and the South Pole to the Middle East and regions throughout Southwest and East Asia. His distinguished military service earned him numerous honors, including the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, multiple Air Force Commendation and Achievement Medals, and recognition as the Outstanding SERE Instructor for the United States Air Force.
Following his military retirement in 2000, Ned continued pursuing his passion for helping others. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in History, a Master's Degree in Teaching, and his Washington State teaching certificate from Whitworth University.
After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Ned was called back to government service, where he worked as both a government contractor and federal employee. During this time, he designed and managed several classified high-risk training programs and served as the chief instructional designer and program manager for the United States Army's newest SERE training program at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
In 2015, Ned joined Sequim School District as a Social Studies and English teacher at Olympic Peninsula Academy and Sequim Options School. Students quickly benefited from his unique life experiences, leadership, and genuine desire to help young people find success. In 2018, he completed a Master's Program in Educational Administration through Seattle Pacific University and later served as principal at Willapa Valley Middle and High School.
Ned returned to Sequim in 2021, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. Since then, he has served in several leadership roles, including Career and Technical Education Director and Principal of Olympic Peninsula Academy. Throughout his time in Sequim, he has been a champion for students seeking alternative pathways to graduation and has worked tirelessly to ensure every student has opportunities to succeed.
While his professional accomplishments are impressive, it is the impact he has had on people that defines his legacy. Whether serving his country, his church, or his school community, Ned has consistently led with integrity, humility, and a deep commitment to others. His dedication to supporting students, building relationships, and creating opportunities has left an enduring mark on Sequim School District.
As Ned begins his retirement, the district celebrates not only an extraordinary career, but also the countless lives he has influenced along the way. His leadership, service, and dedication will continue to be reflected in the students, staff, and programs he helped shape.
Sequim School District extends its sincere gratitude to Ned for all he has poured into our schools and community. We wish him and Tina many years of happiness, adventure, and well-deserved time with family as they begin this exciting new chapter.