Antonia Crater Elementary School principal Kevin Miner is adding Ewing Young Elementary School to his administrative duties next year. The veteran principal will replace Kevin Purcell, who retires at the end of this school year as Ewing Young principal while maintaining his role at Antonia Crater.

Superintendent Dr. Paula Radich made the announcement to school staff on Monday and Tuesday. Parents of both schools were notified by letter.

Radich expressed confidence in Milner’s administrative abilities. She anticipates very limited funding for Oregon schools for the next three to five years. When Milner approached her about having him administer both schools, she agreed.

“Funding for schools is not going to improve in the near future,” says Milner. “Our district is continuing to look for some creative ways we can support kids and teachers with the resources we have.”

Antonia Crater is a 444-student school with 41 full and part time staff members. Enrollment at Ewing Young is 183 and there are 24 full and part time staff members. Both schools are rated “Outstanding” by the Oregon Department of Education. Milner and Purcell have worked together this year to create opportunities for the staff of both schools to improve instruction by working together.

Milner will form a team of staff and parents from each school to ensure a smooth transition. A half-time teacher leader will work directly with Milner so both schools will have immediate access to support when needed.