McCulloch named High Desert Middle School principal

Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Shay Mikalson announced Friday that Wendy McCulloch has been selected to become High Desert Middle School’s next principal. McCulloch is currently the assistant principal at High Desert, a position she has served in for five years.

Mikalson says McCulloch offers a strong, collaborative leadership style.

“As assistant principal, Wendy has continued to build upon the outstanding, accepting culture at High Desert where students learn to develop personal integrity in an academically rigorous environment,” said Mikalson. “She will continue to deepen and strengthen the sense of community at High Desert, while collaborating with staff, parents and students.”

McCulloch has spent 17 years in education. While assistant principal at High Desert, she helped the school focus on seven values: student focus, relationships, acceptance, service, opportunity, character and future ready. McCulloch also has a background as a special education teacher and taught for 12 years.

McCulloch says she is thrilled and humbled to serve as High Desert’s new principal.

“Students and families can expect an open door and a listening ear. I am eager to partner with them and hear ideas on how we can maintain and strengthen our school as a great place to learn,” said McCulloch, who says she is also excited to continue to work with the High Desert staff.

“Our staff is second to none. They have huge hearts and deep passion for doing what is best for students,” said McCulloch. “I will build on already strong relationships with the staff to gather input and ideas on how we can continue serve our students.”

McCulloch will begin her new position July 1; current principal Susan Heberlein is filling a one-year interim position.