Principals, assistant principals, directors selected to replace outgoing administrators
Several 4J schools and departments have new leadership in 2015–16.
Spring Creek Elementary School, Principal: Raquel Gwynn has been selected to be principal at Spring Creek Elementary School. Ms. Gwynn has strong instructional leadership skills and a depth of district knowledge, having coordinated 4J’s after-school program and served as a staff development specialist for the past six years. Previously she was a elementary classroom teacher for several years at Gilham Elementary School and in Arizona.
Cal Young Middle School, Assistant Principal: Dana Zakarian has been named assistant principal at Cal Young Middle School. She has extensive middle school experience, having served for several years as principal of Cascade Middle School in the Bethel School District and previously as an assistant principal in Illinois. Before becoming a school administrator, Ms. Zakarian began her work in education as a 6th grade science and social studies teacher.
Sheldon High School, Assistant Principal: Beth Richardson will join the Sheldon administrative team in 2015–16. Ms. Richardson served as an administrative intern at both Springfield High School and Charlemagne French Immersion Elementary School in 2014–15. For the past four years she has has taught reading and writing to international students at the American English Institute at the University of Oregon. Previously she taught English at New Westminster Secondary School in Canada.
South Eugene High School, Principal: Andrew Dey has been appointed principal at South Eugene High School. Dr. Dey (pronounced “dye”) is returning to Eugene from Santiago, Chile, where he has served as curriculum director at an international school for the past five years. Previously he taught science at Roosevelt Middle School before being appointed assistant principal at Thurston High School and then principal at Agnes Stewart Middle School in Springfield. He earned his doctorate of education from the University of Oregon.
Chief Financial Officer/Director of Support Services: Monica Brown has been hired as 4J’s CFO beginning in late July. She brings to 4J a wealth of experience and expertise in working with government financial systems, including most recently as CFO for the Oregon Department of Justice. Previously she was principal legislative analyst for the Legislative Fiscal Office and served in the financial offices of several public agencies in Salem and Eugene.
Director of Human Resources: Cydney Vandercar was appointed interim director of human resources beginning in April 2015, did an outstanding job leading the department as interim director, and accepted the permanent position in October 2015. She brings to the position her wide range of experience and depth of knowledge of the Eugene School District and its staff, having served in 4J for more than 20 years in various roles as a math teacher, assistant principal, principal, and human resources administrator. [updated Oct. 2015]
Welcome to these education leaders and all others who are beginning or changing positions with 4J this year.
