After 21 years as a school administrator, Chehalem Valley Middle School Assistant Principal Larry Hampton will continue to serve students and schools – this time in a new role as Coordinator of Operations and Safety starting July 1.

As the lead for school district facility department, Hampton will be responsible for ensuring district facilities and equipment function properly and meet the needs of education programs and activities. He will also oversee safety and emergency preparedness throughout the district.

The position updates and replaces the Grounds and Maintenance Supervisor position, currently held by veteran Waide Bailey, who retired in 2009.

Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza felt an administrator with school building experience should lead the facilities department.

“I need someone who can look through the lense of how a school runs and build systems that anticipate those needs and the maintenance and upkeep needed to support those school,” said LeBlanc-Esparza.

Hampton’s work in elementary, middle and high school buildings throughout the Newberg district gives him an understanding of the needs of schools and the district when it comes to facilities and operations.  He has spent many summers in construction and related fields, including helping to build houses in Mexico on three separate occasions. Hampton has also served on the Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors and as president of the Newberg Habitat affiliate.

“The most recent school construction bond has allowed every school in the district to be upgraded in some manner,” said Hampton. “I want to ensure Newberg maintains top notch facilities that support the mission of the school district and that make us all proud.”

Hampton holds a Masters of Education degree from Linfield College and an undergraduate degree in political science from Willamette University. He is a graduate of Newberg High School and an active member of the Newberg community.