HOOD RIVER — Hood River County School District has announced Joe Kelly’s appointment as the permanent principal of Hood River Options Academy, Jim Mangan’s as the new May Street Elementary School principal and Amy McConnell as the permanent executive director of curriculum and instruction, according to HRCSD press releases.
Joe Kelly
Kelly has served as the temporary principal of HROA for the 2023-24 school year. He has been a dedicated educator for more than 20 years. From 2002-2023, he taught various science subjects at Hood River Valley High School (HRVHS), including physical science, general life science, biology, honors medical biology, and AP environmental science. He has also coached high school boys and girls soccer.
“Joe Kelly’s commitment to education, his leadership skills, and dedication to student success make him an excellent choice for the principal position at Hood River Options Academy. I am confident that the program will continue to develop under his leadership,” said Superintendent Bill Newton.
Mangan has more than 30 years of dedicated experience in public education, including 14 years as a school administrator. His professional experience includes serving as principal at Forest Hills Elementary School in Lake Oswego, vice principal at Mid Valley Elementary School in Hood River County, and principal at Trillium Creek Primary School in West Linn. Mangan has also held leadership positions at Lynch View Elementary School in Portland and McBride Elementary School in St. Helens.
“I am thrilled to join the May Street Elementary School community and continue its tradition of excellence,” said Mangan. “Quality instruction and equity are at the heart of my educational philosophy, and I look forward to working collaboratively with staff, students, and families to ensure every student reaches their full potential.”
McConnell has been serving as interim executive director of curriculum and instruction for the 2023-24 school year. McConnell’s professional journey in education spans more than a decade, including roles within the HRCSD and Jefferson County School District. Within HRCSD, McConnell’s administrative experience includes serving as the assistant director of curriculum and instruction, Westside Elementary School’s vice principal, and the migrant summer school assistant director. Before assuming these administrative roles, she was a learning specialist at May Street Elementary School for five years.
“I am excited to continue working with the amazing group of leaders and educators at Hood River County School District,” said McConnell. “I am eager to further contribute my leader-ship and expertise to enhance educational excellence and equity in Hood River County.”
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Stephanie Hoppe, director of communications, contributed to this report.
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