Mountain View Middle School principal Wayne Strong announced he is retiring at the end of this month. Strong has led the 550-student middle school for 14 years.

Under Strong’s leadership, Mountain View has seen the expansion of science, technology, engineering and math education (STEM), including the addition of a new classroom wing dedicated to hands-on STEM instruction. He nurtured strong relationships with the school parent group that continues to benefit students.

Strong guided positive changes in school climate through the implementation of a Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports program (PBIS). During his tenure, Mountain View became the first Newberg school to use Internet-based communication tools to provide parents with access to their student’s grades, attendance and homework assignments.

“Wayne is a man of strong character,” says Scott Murphy, who served as his assistant principal for two years prior to moving to Edwards Elementary School as principal. “At the heart of that character is his concern for what is in the best interest of Mountain View students.”

Spanning 39 years, Strong’s education career includes 12 years as a teacher in middle and elementary schools in Oregon and Montana. He served as a junior high school principal in Kalispell, Montana, and an elementary school principal in both Montana and Oregon prior to joining the Mountain View staff in 2001.  His long career includes coaching, directing outdoor education programs, three terms as a board member of the Northwest Education Co-op and an appointment to the Montana State Special Education Advisory Council.

Strong says retirement will allow him more time to devote to Mark2 Ministries, a nonprofit organization that provides adults with developmental disabilities with opportunities for meaningful work and independent living. Mark2 provides rental housing and support services for daily living, job support and community inclusion in Canby and at the Young Life Washington Family Ranch near Antelope, Oregon. He and his wife, Sondra, are looking forward to more time with their eight grandchildren.