Cashmere principals honored for dedication to students, staff

CASHMERE – Every October, National Principals Month celebrates the vital role school principals play in shaping communities and creating pathways to success for students and staff alike.

Cashmere Superintendent Glenn Johnson said he is honored to work with such a strong team of administrators who bring different skills and abilities to the table. 

“I'm just blessed that we have a team of building administrators that all bring different skills and abilities to the table,” he said. “That's what makes a great team, right?”

In a small district, like Cashmere, it is important for the team to work collaboratively. Cashmere administrators are able to accomplish a lot collaboratively, he said.

A small, cohesive team allows for effective alignment across the district, ensuring consistent instruction and support for students throughout various programs and grade levels. This system-wide alignment helps provide seamless, continuous service for students district-wide, he said.

However, the job of a principal is complex and requires many skills to be successful, Johnson said.

“But the things that come to my mind when I think about our team and think about the skills needed to be successful, I'd say it starts with kids,” he said. “Principals need to be kid centered and believe in kids, and believe in all kids. And I think that starts with relationships before instruction or teaching or testing.”

“I think our principles, I'm happy to say, they understand that it starts with relationships,” he said. “You can't lead people you don't have relationships with, and people need to feel a sense of well being and belonging. And our principals, I think they do this, and I think they care about it, and that's fostering those relationships.” 

Cashmere administrators include: Michelle Christensen, Director of Special Education, Sara Graves, Cashmere Middle School Principal, Sean McKenna, Vale Elementary Principal, Jon Shelby, Cashmere Middle School Assistant Principal, Rhett Morgan, Vale Elementary Assistant Principal, Scott Brown, Cashmere High School Assistant Principal, and Craig MacKenzie, Cashmere High School Principal.

Quinn Propst: 509-731-3590 or quinn@ward.media.