Richard “Dick” Niemeyer
Bothell High School Class of1966
Staunch Visionary Education Leader & Student Champion
Inclusive Highly Respected Mentor & Community Advocate
Richard “Dick” Niemeyer devoted his professional life to education. Much of his time was spent in the Omak School District where he worked with a highly diverse community, was respected for his ability to address complex educational issues and implemented a novel block high school schedule. After earning his principal certification, he was hired as the Omak Junior/Senior High School assistant principal and was promoted to principal. Niemeyer was named Omak School District's assistant superintendent and then superintendent after two decades of school-level leadership. He was deeply committed to each student's well-being, both academically and as a whole child. He played a major role in developing a program that provided counseling services for any student struggling with drug and alcohol issues. His commitment to cultural understanding and inclusion strengthened the school community in ways beyond academics. He developed a deep connection with the Colville Confederated Tribes, working respectfully and collaboratively to support Native students and families. Impacting the broader community, Niemeyer served on the board and later as president of the Association of Washington School Principals. As a chair of Northwest accreditation committees, he led teams helping school districts meet state accreditation requirements. After retiring, he became the director of Heritage University's teacher preparation program and supervised teachers earning their teaching certificates. Throughout his distinguished career in public education, marked by outstanding achievements and leadership, Niemeyer had a profound and lasting impact on students, educators and communities.