New Blue Ridge and Berney Elementary Principals Named

New Blue Ridge and Berney Elementary Principals Named

Walla Walla Public Schools Board of Directors during a special board meeting today approved the hiring of Kim Doepker as principal of Blue Ridge Elementary and Donna Painter as principal of Berney Elementary.

Doepker will succeed Connie Taylor-Randall who is transferring to the Curriculum Department at the end of the school year, while Painter will succeed David Talley who is resigning at the end of the school year. Doepker and Painter will assume their new duties July 1, 2009.

"Donna and Kim have done exceptional work in their current administrative positions and have demonstrated the leadership that qualified them for these principal openings and prepared them for this important next step in their careers," Deputy Superintendent Dr. Bill Jordan said. "The Walla Walla School District is fortunate to have had a strong pool of candidates interview for the principal positions at Berney Elementary and Blue Ridge Elementary."

Principal candidates spent March 23 in a rigorous interview and selection process. Staff and parent representatives from both Blue Ridge and Berney Elementary schools assisted in the day-long interview process, according to Jordan .

Doepker served as Assistant Principal at Pioneer Middle School from 2007 to present. She has been employed by Walla Walla Public Schools for seven years with experience as a classroom teacher and instructional coach. She began her teaching career as a 4th grade teacher in the College Place School District and has 16 years experience as a classroom teacher.

Doepker received her undergraduate degree in education from the University of Idaho and her Master's Degree in Education and Administrative Credentials from Eastern Washington University . Doepker is currently a school board member for College Place Public Schools.

"I want to thank my Pioneer family for the support they have given me the last two years as we worked collaboratively to improve student achievement," Doepker said. "I want to build on Blue Ridge 's reputation for excellence by using my experience as a teacher, instructional coach and administrator to positively impact learning. We will do this by building strong personal relationships through open communications, purposeful planning, use of data, best practices and making the school environment fun."

Painter served as the district's Director of the Head Start/ECEAP Preschool program since 2005. Painter was an elementary principal for the Klickitat School District where she also served as director of special education and Title I programs. Painter has nearly 30 years experience as a classroom teacher.

Painter received her undergraduate degree in education from Lewis Clark State College and Master's Degree and Administrator Certificate from Heritage College . Painter is a board member for the Blue Mountain Action Council and serves on the Walla Walla Community College Early Learning Advisory Board.

"It's an honor to join the Berney Elementary family and build upon the legacy of this outstanding school," Painter said. "I look forward to getting acquainted with staff and students and commit to making a positive contribution in working with them. I believe in an open door policy and putting in the effort to build trust and support through personal relationships with the parents, staff, students and community partners."