HOOD RIVER — Hood River County School District announced Friday the appointment of Assistant Principal Jim Donnelly as the Interim Principal for Hood River Valley High School (HRVHS) for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. This decision allows for an extended and comprehensive search process to identify the best long-term leader for HRVHS.
"The HRVHS principal plays a critical role in the operations of our school district," said Superintendent Bill Newton. "After our initial search, the screening and interview committee, comprising teachers, staff, and administrators, determined that we needed more time for the recruitment process to ensure we find the very best long-term leader. I am pleased to appoint Assistant Principal Jim Donnelly to this interim role."
Mr. Donnelly is a familiar and respected figure within the HRVHS community, having served as an administrator at the high school for the past three years. A proud graduate of HRVHS, Mr. Donnelly previously served as an instructional coach and high school language arts teacher. He also brings professional experience as a writer and communications specialist for Oregon Health Science University.
"Throughout his various roles, Jim has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of our school's unique strengths and challenges," Newton added. "He is keenly attuned to our community's aspirations and is committed to fostering growth and improvement. He is known for being kind, caring, and compassionate, and his highly organized nature speaks to his thorough preparation and thoughtful approach to leadership."
Mr. Donnelly is well-versed in educational practice and theory, regularly sharing his insights with staff and encouraging innovative approaches. He is deeply invested in the success of HRVHS and is committed to fostering positive change. He is a strong listener, capable of adjusting his plans based on feedback, and consistently demonstrates thoughtful, critical thinking. He enters this interim role with a clear vision and a collaborative spirit, recognizing the importance of working together to achieve the school's goals.
The school district will continue its search for the permanent principal for Hood River Valley High School, with the position expected to be posted early in the hiring season in February 2026. This timeline will provide ample opportunity to conduct a comprehensive search. Additionally, the school district will be posting the opening for an interim assistant principal for the 2025-2026 school year in the coming weeks.
"I am confident that Mr. Donnelly's leadership will provide stability and continued progress for HRVHS during this interim period," said Newton. "We look forward to his continued contributions to the success of our students and school community."
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