New Cascade, High Desert principals named

Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Shay Mikalson announced Friday the hiring of two new principals for local middle schools. Stephen Duval will serve as principal at Cascade Middle School. Susan Heberlein will serve as interim principal at High Desert Middle School for the 2017-18 school year.

Cascade Middle School:

Duval has served as assistant principal at Cascade for the past five years. Duval helped create student-led conferences and new electives at Cascade. Eric Powell, a counselor and dean of students at Cascade, will serve as the new assistant principal.

“I am extremely excited to continue working with the amazing students, staff and families of Cascade,” said Duval. “The culture at our school is very strong and I look forward to continuing to help prepare our students for the future.”

Steph Bennett, who served as principal at Cascade for seven years, will serve as a high school graduation coach for students in Bend-La Pine Schools.

High Desert Middle School:

Heberlein is a veteran administrator who served as principal at High Lakes Elementary School in Bend for eight years. She is currently serving as the administrator of Brain Camp, a summer program for elementary school students in Bend. Heberlein also has experience as a high school and elementary school teacher.

“I am humbled to be asked to lead such a high-caliber school,” said Heberlein. “I believe that our collective ideas and energy are what make an exceptional school.”

Brian Crook, who served as principal at High Desert for two years, is taking a leadership position with the Jefferson County School District.