Mark Risen to lead Newberg High School

Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza named Mark Risen principal of Newberg High School in an announcement at the Newberg School Board meeting Tuesday evening. Risen currently serves as principal of Henley High School in Klamath Falls, Oregon.

The announcement caps a lengthy process that began last December when Le-Blanc-Esparza announced she would change the leadership structure at Newberg High School from four small school principals to a single principal responsible for the entire school. A nationwide search for an experienced administrator to lead the 1,500-student school was launched in January. Finalists were selected after interviews with stakeholder committees, participation in a rigorous process that included staff, parent and student forums, additional interviews and a site visit.

“Mark is a leader with great energy, intensity and passion for working with kids,” said LeBlanc-Esparza. “His focus on preparing every student to be successful in the 21st century and giving them the necessary skills to graduate aligns with our vision.”

As the principal of the 650-student high school in Klamath County since 2012, Risen focused on improving student learning, enhancing school culture, collaborative leadership and effective school management.    Teachers told LeBlanc-Esparza that they credit Risen for increasing the quality of instruction in the short amount of time he has been at Henley.

Risen’s work to improve student learning included leading school-wide efforts such as:

• academic realignment for standards-based education and assessments
• implementing a literacy plan and essential skills model that emphasizes a 100% pass rate on OAKS assessments
• instructional leadership through the use of data, professional development and contemporary best practices
• providing targeted support interventions
• establishing an assessment lab to gather and collect data to guide student improvement
• overhauling technology to support student learning

Risen is known for applying his strong leadership, intellect, collaboration and communication skills to the school setting on a daily basis, according to colleagues.

“Mark wants ‘the best idea, not his idea’ to continuously improve the school, himself and his staff,” said one colleague. “He has the skills, experience and personal drive to bring those ideas to fruition.”

“Students, staff and parents quickly credit him with making a profound positive impact at Henley High School,” said LeBlanc-Esparza.

Newberg parents and staff members attending the principal candidate forums were impressed.

“We need a motivator and connector like him,” said one staff member.  “He is positive, open and people focused.”

Risen also resonated with a significant number of the parents in attendance at the forum.  One parent stated, “He is a great combination of knowledge, personality and experience.  He is a leader worth following.”

Prior to leading Henley High School, Risen served as the assistant principal and athletic director at Sprague High School in Salem for five years. He has worked as a high school athletic or activities director and social studies teacher at Sheldon, Creswell, Sweet Home and Ashland high schools since 1995.

Risen is a graduate of Western Oregon University where he earned both a Masters and a Bachelors of Science in Education degree with honors. He earned his initial administrative license through the University of Oregon and is working on his continuing administrative license through Portland State University.

When asked about his future in Newberg, Risen shares that he is impressed with the successful programs at Newberg High and the opportunity to build on the many great practices and traditions already in place. He adds that the overall focus on success, friendliness and professionalism were key influencers in his decision to relocate.

Risen will begin working with the current leadership of Newberg High School this spring and will join the Newberg School District full time on July 1, 2014.