There is renewed energy on teaching and learning in the Hockinson School District. The HSD is offering a robust professional development program and our school leaders and educators are aligning practices to meet the diverse needs of our students. The HSD is committed to maintaining this academic momentum while making careful decisions for long term fiscal stability.
We want HSD families to be aware of staffing changes that we are making to elevate teaching and learning in Hockinson Schools.
Beginning in the 2023-24 school year:
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Current HHES principal Josh Robertson will transition to become the district’s Director of Curriculum and Instruction,
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Current HMS principal Meredith Gannon will transition to become HHES Principal, and
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HSD will begin candidate recruitment for a new HMS principal with community input this month.
For Josh Robertson, this new role is an opportunity to align instruction and improve student achievement across the district. “In my five years of serving as principal at Hockinson Heights Elementary School, student achievement has always been at the forefront for teachers and administrators,” said Robertson. “While my decision is bittersweet, this opportunity will allow me to support student learning in a new way. I’m excited to give teachers the curricular tools and foundation that will help them reach all learners,” said Robertson.
As Meredith Gannon prepares to assume the role of Principal at Hockinson Heights Elementary School, she reflects on how her experience applies to the vibrant HHES environment. This role is familiar to Ms. Gannon; she served as HHES associate principal in 2017-2021. Her recent experience at HMS has prepared her to support elementary school students for a successful transition into middle school.
“I’m looking forward to returning to Hockinson Heights Elementary School having gained a renewed perspective on how to best prepare elementary students for a successful transition to middle school,” Meredith Gannon said. “Serving as the principal at Hockinson Middle School for the past two years has been a rewarding experience. This opportunity will allow me to continue to work with many of the same families that I’ve built relationships with over the last six years,” said Gannon.
Later this school year, Gannon will host family nights where the HHES community can get to know their new principal. Details on these family nights will be announced in the coming months.
Hockinson staff members and families will have the opportunity to weigh in on the most important attributes in a new HMS leader. This outreach will be a critical part of the hiring process. “We are announcing these moves now so that there is ample time to ask for input, prepare for the shifts in responsibility, and to attract a pool of high quality candidates for the HMS principal position,” said Superintendent Steve Marshall. “I am happy that these changes retain HSD talent and experience. Their roles are changing, but the leaders are staying here,” Marshall added.
We recognize that any change can be difficult for families and students and thank everyone for their patience as we make decisions that promote higher levels of student learning and achievement. Information on opportunities for staff and family input will be released in the coming weeks.