Lisa Callahan will be the new principal of Mabel Rush Elementary School. The Alaska principal will succeed Shannon Stueckel, who retires at the end of June.
Callahan is currently the principal of Nikiski North Star Elementary School in Nikiski, Alaska. Under her leadership, student achievement scores increased to their highest level in eight years. Callahan also served as principal of Homer Middle School in Homer, Alaska.
“We are excited about having Lisa on our team,” said Newberg Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza. “She was a highly sought-after candidate that was enthusiastically received by the Mabel Rush staff and parents during the hiring process.”
Prior to her administrative experience, Callahan taught elementary math, reading and music, also in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. She has worked as an elementary music specialist in the Clark County, Nevada, School District. Additional teaching experience includes teaching music at middle and elementary schools in Palmer, Alaska and in Bassett, Nebraska. She has earned distinction as a nominee for distinguished educator awards as a teacher. Under her leadership, her school received recognition for parent involvement and creating a welcoming school environment.
Callahan holds a Masters in Arts Education Administration from the University of Phoenix, Las Vegas, and a Bachelor of Arts Music Education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
"I am very pleased to have the opportunity to work with the students and staff of Mabel Rush School,” said Callahan. “My recent conversations in Newberg left me impressed with the dedicated faculty and supportive community. I look forward to a positive and engaging learning experience on behalf of the students and to leading the continued development of an excellent school."
Callahan begins her position July 1, 2013.
