Robert “Bob” Knorr, NSD 28 Yrs.
Instrumental Principal & District Administrator,
Fervent Accessibility Advocate for Disabled People
Throughout his 28 years in the Northshore School District, Robert “Bob” Knorr played a major role in many of the decisions that helped shape the course of the district. In 1954, Knorr began teaching in Seattle. He moved to Northshore in 1956 where he taught at W. A. Anderson Junior High and became the school's counselor and vice principal. In 1965, he became the first Principal at Canyon Park Junior High School. Knorr moved to the district's central office in 1969 as the director of personnel and guidance. He was promoted in 1979 to administrative assistant for secondary education and supervised curriculum, staffing and district operations. After retiring in 1984, he continued to support the school district. Knorr co-chaired the district's bond and levy committees for many successful years. He took pride in seeing Northshore residents pass nearly every school levy and bond. After losing his legs to diabetes, he shifted his passions to advocate for school and community improvements for people with disabilities. He developed a training program for the travel and hotel industries to better serve their clients with disabilities. Knorr surveyed, reviewed and inventoried the physical conditions of local school districts to determine accessibility and usability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA. For his work, Knorr was appointed to the Governor's Select Committee on Disability Issues and Employment in 1992. Knorr, who was known for his unique character, perseverance, courage and creativity, passed away in February 1999. His leadership, organizational skills and commitment to Northshore schools and students, as well as his work with the ADA, have served the community well.