Gardea named Prospect Point principal

Walla Walla Public Schools Board of Directors during a special board meeting Wednesday, March 12 approved the hiring of Chris Gardea as principal of Prospect Point Elementary.

Gardea will succeed Rick Nebeker who is retiring at the end of the school year. Gardea served as Assistant Principal at Prospect Point from 2004-2007. He has spent the past year as the district's Director of Mathematics.

He also has seven years experience as a classroom teacher:

- Pioneer Middle School - four years (Math, Reading and Language Arts)

- Waitsburg Elementary - two years (6 th grade teacher)

- Meadow Brook Intermediate, College Place - one year (6 th grade teacher)

"With Gardea's past experience at Prospect Point and across the district, I think he is an excellent match," Superintendent Dr. Rich Carter said. "Gardea will need staff and parent support to carry on the proud tradition of the high academics and involvement at Prospect Point. We're confident he will be successful."

Gardea received his undergraduate, graduate and administrative credentials from Eastern Washington University . He is also co-chairing the district's Boundary Review Committee and is a board member for Walla Walla Camp Fire Boys and Girls.

"I'm excited to go back and continue working with the Prospect Point community," Gardea said. "They have a strong tradition of parent involvement, a caring staff and students who are enthusiastic about their learning. I've always wanted to be a principal and there is no better place than Prospect Point."