The Moses Lake School District is pleased to announce Russell Kovalenko as the new principal for Midway Elementary School beginning the 2022-2023 school year.
Mr. Kovalenko earned his master's degree in professional learning and development and administrative certificate from Heritage University and bachelor's degree in business education from Central Washington University. He joins the district after five years as the Academic Administrator and Assistant Principal at Washington Virtual Academy (WAVA) Elementary. Prior, he was the high school Principal and Safety Director in Othello, and the Business Education teacher in Wahluke and Yakima.
In addition to his 16 years of administrative and educational experience, Kovalenko brings a passion for engaging students in their learning. “I am ecstatic about the opportunity to team up with our Midway teachers, parents, and community to help build the amazing young minds at Midway Elementary,” says Kovalenko. “My whole purpose around everyone I work with including kids is based on this statement, "If I cannot love you, I cannot lead you. If I cannot show you grace, in times of challenge and conflict, I cannot get us to where we need to go."
Kovalenko and his wife Erika have called Moses Lake their home for the past eight years. Erika is a local artist (you may have noticed her art at the skatepark or the new mural over on the water tower across from the fairgrounds!). Together with their two young children they enjoy boating, fishing, hunting, church, travel, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Please join the Board of Education and Moses Lake School District in welcoming Russell Kovalenko to his new position.