Two candidates emerged as finalists for the top position at Newberg High School. Kyle Laier and Justin Lieuallen were selected from a field of 18 applicants after a series of interviews with school and district staff.

Both candidates will meet with staff, parents and students next week as part of the high school principal selection process.

Laier is the leader of Clackamas Academy of Industrial Sciences, a career-focused high school in Oregon City. He has taught in and led three high-performing schools including King Elementary School and Ogden Middle School in Oregon City and Desert Springs High School in southern California. His professional experience includes a broad range of local and regional engagement and training in equity, workforce development, STEM, assessment and leadership. He holds Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the University of Portland.

Lieuallen is in his 13th year as an assistant principal at McNary High School in Keizer. He manages curriculum, master schedule, testing, counseling and provides administrative oversight for ELL, AVID and special education programs in the 2,150-student school. He taught science and coached wrestling for six years at Westview High School in the Beaverton School District. His professional goal is to effectively use his leadership skills to close opportunity gaps and improve student performance. Lieuallen holds Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Pacific University.

Staff and parents are encouraged to meet and learn more about the candidates at a forum at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, February 16th at the high school. Both candidates will meet with students and tour the campus next week.