HRCSD appoints Jessica Ramirez as new principal of Hood River Valley High School

“We are excited to welcome Jessica Ramirez to the leadership team at Hood River Valley High School,” said Superintendent Bill Newton. “Throughout the interview process, Ms. Ramirez demonstrated a strong alignment with our school district’s strategic goals and a clear commitment to fostering an equitable, student-centered culture. We are confident that her leadership will support the continued success and growth of our students and staff.”

Ms. Ramirez brings a wealth of administrative experience and a personal connection to the region. Having lived in Hood River as a child and with family members who previously worked at HRVHS, she views this appointment as a meaningful homecoming. As a bilingual educator, she expressed a strong commitment to serving a community with a rich history of cultural diversity.

Ms. Ramirez currently serves as an assistant principal at Reynolds High School and previously held principal and leadership roles in the Gresham-Barlow School District. At Reynolds, she was instrumental in developing the Student Management and Student Engagement Teams, which empowered staff to proactively support student safety and personal connections.

“Student success means each student feeling a sense of belonging and a passion for learning,” said Ms. Ramirez. “Whether that is through hands-on skills in a metals class, coding in computer science, or engaging an audience through the performing arts, each student should leave high school prepared and excited for their future. My priority is ensuring our school is a safe, welcoming environment that offers a wide variety of learning options to meet our students' varied interests.”

Upon beginning her tenure on July 1, Ms. Ramirez plans to meet with staff, students, and families to learn more about the local culture.

“I am most looking forward to learning what it means to be an Eagle and how we can move forward together to create the best opportunities for all students at HRVHS,” she added.

Outside of her professional life, Ms. Ramirez is an outdoor enthusiast and a mother of four. She enjoys tent-camping and exploring Oregon with her family, as well as horse camping and trail riding with her three horses. While out on the trails, she often documents her observations in a nature journal. Ms. Ramirez is also an avid reader who challenges herself to read four books a month, with a particular fondness for historical fiction and classic British authors like Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë.

Ms. Ramirez succeeds Jim Donnelly, who has served as interim principal with great dedication during the current academic year. The school district extends its sincere gratitude to Mr. Donnelly for his leadership during this transition. He will return to his role as assistant principal at Hood River Valley High School for the 2026-27 school year.