Leadership changes announced within Baker 5J Schools
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Tuesday, March 16th, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Featured Stories More Top Stories
BAKER COUNTY – (Release from Baker School District) More changes are in store for Baker Schools, 5J Superintendent Mark Witty disclosed to staff and community on Thursday. Administrative changes will impact Brooklyn Primary, South Baker Intermediate, Haines Elementary, and Baker High School.
“This is a great opportunity for us to promote leadership changes that capitalize on the strengths of our administrators,” said Witty. “Each of these individuals has done an excellent job within their current assignment. Moving them to a different building will allow them to develop their capacity as school leaders.”
Beginning July 1, Phil Anderson, Brooklyn Primary principal, will move into the role of principal for South Baker Intermediate; Katy Collier, Haines Elementary principal, will move into the role of principal for Brooklyn Primary; Geno Bates, South Baker Intermediate principal, will move into the role of vice principal for Baker High School; Cassie Moore, South Baker Intermediate dean of students, will move into the role of principal for Haines Elementary; and Chelsea Hurliman, Baker High School vice principal, will move into the split role of vice principal for Brooklyn Primary and South Baker Intermediate.
Anderson has served as Brooklyn Primary principal since 2016. “I’ve grown so close to the staff and families at Brooklyn, it will be hard to say goodbye,” said Anderson. “I’m really proud of what the staff has accomplished over the past 5 years! I am excited to join the team at South Baker Intermediate and continue to support the great work they are doing.”
Collier served as a classroom teacher at Haines Elementary before being selected as principal in 2018. “This school means so much to me,” said Collier. “Working in a small school, you get very close to the staff, families, and students. It’s been a wonderful experience. I am looking forward to the opportunity of working with the community at Brooklyn Primary.”
Bates, who joined the 5J administrative team in 2018 and has served as South Baker Intermediate principal, will be serving in the role of vice principal for incoming Baker High School principal Skye Flanagan. “With all my past experience at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, I am looking forward to helping Skye Flanagan in making a smooth transition for staff and students at BHS,” said Bates.
Moore has served as South Baker Intermediate’s dean of students since 2018. “I’m excited to be taking this step in my career,” said Moore. “While serving as the dean of students at South Baker, I was able to experience all aspects of school leadership. In addition, my family owns a ranch, so small, rural schools are near and dear to my heart. It will be a great fit personally.”
Hurliman has worked as vice principal of Baker High School since 2015. “I’ve really enjoyed working with our high school students and staff,” said Hurliman. “I look forward to developing close relationships with our families and staff at Brooklyn Primary and South Baker Intermediate, as well as further developing my leadership skills in this new role.”
The administrators are collaborating to develop a coordinated transition plan for each building. They will continue in their current positions through the end of the school year.
About the Baker School DistrictNationally recognized Baker School District 5J (BSD) is a major employer in Baker City, OR, serving 1,700 students locally with an additional 3,000 online students across the state of Oregon. Through enterprising, collaborative endeavors, BSD is creating an innovative educational foundation for future Oregonians. BSD believes strong school collaboration with local partners enables us to create vibrant communities that support lifelong learners.
