“What’s best for kids” behind school leadership changes

Improving outcomes for kids is at the core of school leadership changes for the coming school year.

Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza announced leadership changes that impact seven of the ten district schools this morning. 

“People will be serving in different capacities and different ways next year,” said LeBlanc-Esparza. “This is an opportunity for leaders to use their strengths and skills in schools that will benefit from them.  We carefully considered where schools are and  what students and staff need to reach our overall goals as a district. We believe we have the opportunity to match leaders to these needs."  

She adds that these moves have not been made lightly and that she has been working on the leadership changes for the past month.

“We need to recognize that we are all coming to do the work that is best for kids,” said LeBlanc-Esparza. “I believe these leadership moves will help us do just that.”

Elementary

• Troy Fisher moves from Antonia Crater to principal of Mabel Rush Elementary. He replaces Lisa Callahan, who announced last month that she is leaving the 523-student school to pursue new opportunities and goals.  Troy brings a strong leadership skill set in working with diverse and at-risk populations.  He also is known for building great relationships with staff and community.  
   
• Michele Paton will be principal at Antonia Crater Elementary. She is currently principal at Mountain View Middle School.  Michele builds strong relationships and is known for her "All Means All" kid focus as well as her depth of understanding around instruction.  
   
• ​Alaina Carter will lead Joan Austin Elementary School as principal. She is currently an assistant principal at Newberg High School.  Alaina has an incredible skill set around instruction but she is also valued for the relationships she builds.  She will be a great addition to the elementary leadership team.
   
• Donald Johnston steps in as Dean of Students at Edwards and Mabel Rush Elementary schools. These two schools have experienced growth in the past few years and both are operating above 500 students.  This is a new position to provide operational support to principals at the district’s largest elementary schools.  Don's expertise and skill set around working with at-risk students will be a great asset to both schools.

Middle School

• Terry McElligott moves to Mountain View Middle School as principal. She is currently principal at Joan Austin Elementary.  Terry's strength in teaching and learning is outstanding.  She not only has great middle school experience in our district, but her kid-centered approach to decision-making and building systems will serve students and staff at Mountain View incredibly well.
   
• Cassandra Thonstad will serve as the Assistant Principal at Mountain View Middle School.  She is currently part-time administrator and part-time Instructional Facilitator at Chehalem Valley Middle School.  Cass has a wealth of knowledge around teaching and learning and is learning to become a strong new leader in our system.

High School

• Bill Rogers is leaving Catalyst to work in higher education.  Given the unique needs of alternative education leadership, the principal position will be posted and go through a normal hiring process.
   
• The assistant principal position at Newberg High School will be posted and go through a normal hiring process.

New leaders will meet with staff at their new assignment in the coming weeks. The new position changes are effective July 1, 2017