Starting in July, many of our schools will be helmed by new faces. We are thrilled to welcome nine new principals and seven new assistant principals. Some of our new principals are familiar faces in new seats and a few are brand new to Bend-La Pine Schools. I hope you will help me welcome all of them.

I know that the character, drive and commitment of these leaders will make a difference to our teachers, our classified staff, our parents and — most importantly — to our students. These choices matter.

I want to say thank you to all of the staff members who dedicated countless hours to help make these leadership decisions. Your commitment to this process helped us ensure our new leaders will be a good fit for their school communities.

Please help me welcome the following new principals:

• New Elementary School: Kevin Gehrig
• Buckingham: Kevin Milner
• Pine Ridge: Rochelle Williams
• Rosland: Julie Linhares
• High Desert: Wendy McCulloch
• Marshall: Sal Cassaro
• Mountain View: Michael Hicks
• Realms High: Roger White
• Skyline: Mike Franklin
• Summit: Michael McDonald

We are also excited to welcome Bend Senior High assistant principal Gabe Pagano, High Desert assistant principal Paul Dean, Juniper assistant principal Nichole Reiland, Mountain View assistant principals Susie Heydon and Matt Kitchen, Realms administrator Dirk Matthias and Summit assistant principal Reno Holler.

Like so many positions in education — from teacher to bus driver — serving as a principal is a challenging but deeply rewarding job. It requires long hours and a willingness to make tough decisions. It is also an opportunity to shape a school community and its culture. I thank each of our principals — new and longstanding — for their leadership and commitment to serving students above all else.

For all of our staff members, thank you for all that you do every day to help our students. It is my honor to serve alongside you all.

Best,

Shay Mikalson, Superintendent