Umatilla School district announces new high school leadership

UMATILLA – The Umatilla School District has a new leadership team in place at the high school. After Principal Bob Lorence, Vice Principal April Dirksen, and Office Manager Debbie Tesch announced their retirements at the end of this school year, the district was left with the task of filling those key roles.

USD Superintendent Heidi Sipe assembled a team to help discover who the new leaders would be.

“We reached out to students, parents, staff, and community members with a survey to help us understand the strengths and future needs of Umatilla High,” Sipe said.

The survey results led the team to develop an advertising flyer and to create a part-time culture coordinator on special assignment. That job is designed to uphold UHS traditions and school pride while also providing support to the new principal and vice principal.

There were a total of 18 applications for the three positions. The team two months to consider the pool of applicants and conduct interviews. The team is now a reality.

“We are pleased to announce the new leadership at Umatilla High School,” Sipe said.

Principal Jared Tesch is a Umatilla High School graduate who has worked in the Salem-Keizer, Dallas, Pendleton, and Central school districts over his 20-year career. He has served as teacher, coach, instructional coach, vice principal, and principal.

Vice Principal Oscar Contreras has served as the physical education teacher for Clara Brownell Middle School and coach for Umatilla High School. He has participated in various leadership committees and in the school district.

Culture Coordinator Corinne Funderburk has served the students and families in Umatilla for over 30 years as a teacher and a coach. The school district considers her experience and passion for success will be invaluable in helping Umatilla High School move forward.

Photos from Umatilla School District

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