Yonts promoted to Garrison Principal

Yonts promoted to Garrison Middle School Principal

Today Walla Walla Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Rich Carter announced he is promoting Gina Yonts to Principal of Garrison Middle School. Yonts will replace longtime Principal Jim Sporleder July 1 following his decision earlier this month to take the vacant Alternative Programs Principal position.

Garrison Middle School Dean of Students Esteban Florian was promoted to the schools assistant principal position made vacant by Yonts move to principal. Both Yonts and Florian will be on one-year interim contracts.

"This is a great opportunity for two of our administrators to take on new leadership roles and have an even greater impact on our school district," Superintendent Rich Carter said. "They both have a deep passion for children and learning. We will support them to ensure they have successful transitions in their new positions."

Yonts is in her fourth year as Garrisons Assistant Principal. She has 12 years experience as an intermediate grade level teacher at Berney Elementary School in Walla Walla. She completed a K-12 Principals Internship Certification program through Washington State University.

Yonts earned her Masters of Education Degree with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction from Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, ID. She completed her undergraduate studies at Central Washington University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. She holds a K-8 Elementary Education endorsement and a K-12 Reading Endorsement.

Florian has been employed in the district for 10 years and is in his second year as Garrisons Dean of Students. His previous district experience includes working as a Reading Specialist, Transitional Bilingual teacher, and English as a Second Language teacher.

Florian earned Bachelor degrees in Spanish and Elementary Education from Walla Walla College and a Masters degree in Education and Administrative Credential from Washington State University.