Battle Ground Public Schools announced administrative changes for the upcoming school year.
Kevin Palena is the new principal at Summit View High School, replacing Beth Beattie, who accepted a position at Washington State University Vancouver.
Justin Pierce is the new principal at Daybreak Middle School, filling the position opened by Palena. Pierce was most recently the assistant principal at Chief Umtuch Middle School.
Heather Ichimura is the new principal at Tukes Valley Middle School after serving as an assistant principal at Battle Ground High School. Ichimura replaces Brian Amundson, who accepted a principal position in another school district.
Jessica Drake is the new assistant principal at Battle Ground High School, replacing Ichimura. Drake most recently served as the dean for students at Battle Ground High School.
Gerald Gabbard is the new principal of Daybreak Primary School. Gabbard joins the district from Concordia University, where he served as an associate professor of education. Gabbard replaces Matt Kauffman, who has accepted a job in another district.
Matt Kesler is the new principal at River HomeLink after serving as the school’s assistant principal for the past year. Kesler replaces Mark Clements, who retired.
Susan Smith is the new assistant principal at River HomeLink, taking over the position from Kesler. Smith joins the district from the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District, where she was an assistant principal.
Krishna Smith is the new assistant principal at Amboy Middle School. Smith, who was most recently the assistant principal at Pleasant Valley Middle School, replaces April Vonderharr, who is the new assistant principal at Tukes Valley Primary School.
Anna Leeper is the new assistant principal at Pleasant Valley Middle School, after serving in the same position at Tukes Valley Primary School. Leeper replaces Smith.
Julie Hills is the new online coordinator at River Online, River HomeLink’s online program. Hills was previously the assistant principal at CAM Academy.
Pending final board approval, Juliene Main will be the new dean of students at Battle Ground High School. Main replaces Drake, and was previously an English teacher at the high school.
