January Greetings . . .

The first of the calendar year may seem like an unusual time to talk about changes that will occur during the start of a new school year, but that is exactly what I'd like to do in my space in the newsletter this month.  Many of you are aware of some announced administrative moves and retirements within our school district, many of which will change the roles of school leadership in La Pine.  None of these changes will take place until July 1, 2012.

Bend-La Pine School Superintendent Ron Wilkinson recently announced that he is moving La Pine High School Principal Jay Mathisen to the District Executive Director of Human Resources.  Although a loss for La Pine High, this is a position that Mr. Mathisen will excel at and will be able to apply his leadership skills and decision-making in order to make a positive difference throughout the District.  Please join me in congratulating Jay when you get the opportunity to do so.

Another appointment that Ron made coincided with the above announcement and involved adding a new role for me next year.  In addition to being the principal at LPMS, I will also be taking over as the South County Area Director - a position currently held by Pat Yaeger.  As most of you are aware, Mrs. Yaeger was the long time principal at La Pine Middle, then left to become South County Director and principal at Rosland.  With Mrs. Yaeger's retirement this June, I have been asked to fill the Director's role.  I have big shoes to fill following Pat in this role and will miss working with her.  

My own children have either attended, or are currently attending, all of our schools except for Rosland.  I know first-hand the commitment of our staff and the support of our parents to provide a quality educational experience to our students/kids.  I'm excited to be able to continue being a part of La Pine schools and support the education of our kids in this capacity of South County Director.
 
With Mr. Mathisen's move and Mrs. Yaeger's retirement, the District will be looking to hire a new principal for La Pine High and Rosland Elementary.  These positions are currently posted and should be filled in late February.

As you can tell, there will be a number of changes to the leadership in La Pine schools beginning next fall.  However, the dedication to providing a world-class education to each student will not waver.

Jim Boen, Principal