Public invited to meet High Desert MS principal candidates

Community members are invited to meet the four finalists for the High Desert Middle School principal position during a forum Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. in the library at High Desert. Visitors will get a chance to meet the candidates, ask questions and offer feedback.

The four finalists:

Lisa Birk is currently assistant principal at Pacific Crest Middle School in Bend, a position she has served in for three years. Prior to that she served as student services coordinator and assistant principal at Bear Creek Elementary School, a position she held for four years. She also has six years of classroom teaching experience.

Rolland Hayden is currently principal at Gordon Russell Middle School in Gresham, a position he has served in for four years. Prior to that, he served as assistant principal at North Salem High School for four years. He also has six years of classroom teaching experience.

Susie Heydon is currently assistant principal at Young Oak Kim Academy in Los Angeles, a position she has held for five years. Prior to that, she served as a program advisor and English Learning Program Coordinator at Young Oak Kim Academy. She also has 10 years of classroom teaching experience.

Wendy McCulloch is currently assistant principal at High Desert Middle School, a position she has held for five years. Prior to that, she served as dean of students and special education teacher at High Desert for five years. She also has seven years of additional classroom teaching experience.

The new principal will begin July 1; current principal Susan Heberlein is serving a one-year interim position.