Karen Pugsley will be the next principal of Chehalem Valley Middle School. Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza made the announcement at the Newberg School Board meeting Tuesday evening. Pugsley currently serves as Green School principal at Newberg High School. She steps into the new role on July 1, 2014.
LeBlanc-Esparza described Pugsley as a highly collaborative leader whose decision-making is centered on what’s best for kids. “She is the right choice to build on the great work in place and lead the staff and students at this school,” said LeBlanc-Esparza.
Pugsley says this is a wonderful opportunity to return to her roots. “My first teaching job was at the middle level and I appreciate the energy, critical thinking and independence of middle school students,” she said. “I have a unique perspective after 22 years at the high school level and hope to spark a sustained conversation about the power of our middle schools to prepare students for life after high school.”
Pugsley has worked in the Newberg School District since she was hired as talented and gifted (TAG) specialist in 1992. She has coordinated the district TAG program, directed the Newberg Community Learning Center and spent four years coordinating the high school transition to small schools. She has led Green School since it’s inception in 2007.
A graduate of Willamette University, Pugsley earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and English Literature. She holds a Masters in Educational Leadership from Lewis and Clark College. Pugsley earned national recognition from the U.S. Department of Education as a Goals 2000 Teacher as Researcher and was named a Berglund Institute Fellow by Pacific University. Pugsley was honored with the district Crystal Apple Award for Secondary Teacher of the Year. An active community member, she is a member of Newberg’s first Ford Institute Leadership Program.
“I am looking forward to getting to know staff, students and parents over the next few months and to continuing the wonderful work this learning community has embarked upon,” said Pugsley. “It’s an exciting time at Chehalem Valley and I feel honored to be part of the next phase of this school’s story.”
