As Pendleton School District prepares for the 2026–27 school year, the district is announcing several leadership appointments and organizational updates that reflect its continued commitment to supporting students, strengthening schools, and providing stability during a period of transition.

Over the past several months, a few members of the district’s leadership team have embarked on new professional chapters. Principal Pat Dutcher has returned to the Salem School District, his alma mater; Director of Human Resources Kevin Dinning has accepted the Superintendent position with the Culver School District; and Director of Special Programs Julie Smith has retired after a distinguished career in education. The district extends its sincere appreciation to each of these leaders for their service and wishes them continued success.

While leadership changes are a natural part of any organization, they also provide an opportunity to thoughtfully examine how district resources and leadership structures can best support schools. The appointments announced today are designed to provide continuity for students and staff while strengthening instructional leadership and districtwide support.

Strengthening School Leadership

Following Pat Dutcher’s departure, Pendleton School District conducted a comprehensive recruitment process for the Pendleton High School principalship. After evaluating applicants and considering both the immediate needs of the school and the district’s long-term leadership goals, the district determined that appointing an experienced internal leader for the 2026–27 school year would provide the greatest continuity for students, families, and staff. The district anticipates revisiting the process for selecting a permanent principal during the coming school year.

TJ Presley has been appointed Acting Principal of Pendleton High School for the 2026-2027 school year.

Presley currently serves as Principal of Sherwood Heights Elementary School. Prior to joining Pendleton School District, he served the Pilot Rock School District as a teacher, Athletic Director, and Principal of Pilot Rock High School. Before entering education, he also worked in the private business sector.

A proud Buckaroo, Presley has developed a deep appreciation for the Pendleton community and is passionate about its students and traditions. He is known for building strong relationships, fostering positive school cultures, and leading collaboratively. His experience at both the elementary and secondary levels positions him well to guide Pendleton High School during the coming year.

With Presley’s appointment, Mindy Barron will serve as Acting Principal of Sherwood Heights Elementary School.

Barron joined Sherwood Heights as Assistant Principal last year and quickly became a trusted instructional leader and valued member of the school community. With more than 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher, Dean of Students, Instructional Coach, and Assistant Principal, she brings deep instructional expertise and a strong commitment to supporting students, staff, and families. The district will also post an Interim Assistant Principal position to support Sherwood Heights during the transition.

Strengthening District Leadership

To continue supporting schools and district operations, Matt Yoshioka has been appointed Assistant Superintendent. In this role, he will oversee a broad range of district responsibilities, including Human Resources, while continuing to support principals, staff, and district initiatives through his experience in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and organizational leadership.

Following Julie Smith’s retirement, Rebecca Marshall has been appointed Coordinator of Student Services.

Marshall brings extensive experience spanning classroom, school, district, and state leadership. Her work with the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, along with her experience supporting schools in special education, literacy, and integrated student supports, provides a strong foundation for leading the district’s student services programs.

Investing in Teaching and Learning

Pendleton School District has also reorganized instructional leadership by strategically braiding School Improvement Grant funding with existing district resources to transform one director-level position into two Coordinator of Teaching and Learning positions.

This restructuring is designed to increase direct support for schools rather than add administrative layers. The Coordinators of Teaching and Learning will partner closely with principals to strengthen curriculum implementation, coordinate professional learning, support school improvement planning, analyze student achievement data, and build consistent instructional practices across the district.

By sharing these districtwide responsibilities, principals will have increased capacity to spend time where it matters most—in classrooms supporting teachers, engaging with students, and working alongside families.

Tess Welk has been appointed Coordinator of Teaching and Learning – Elementary. A Pendleton High School graduate, Welk returns home after serving as K–12 Principal in Dufur,OR and previously working as both a teacher and educational leader in the Columbia Gorge region.

Aaron Cooke has been appointed Coordinator of Teaching and Learning – Secondary. Cooke joins Pendleton School District from the South Coast Education Service District, bringing extensive experience in instructional leadership, continuous improvement, and supporting educators across multiple school systems.

Together, Welk and Cooke will work alongside school leaders to strengthen teaching and learning, support educator growth, and help ensure every school has the leadership support needed to improve outcomes for students.

Looking Ahead

These leadership appointments reflect the district’s continued focus on building strong systems that support students, staff, and schools. While people and roles may change over time, Pendleton School District remains committed to thoughtful leadership, responsible stewardship of resources, and creating the conditions for every student to succeed.

The district appreciates the continued partnership of families, staff, and the broader community as it prepares for the start of another school year.

Dr. Michelle Jensen
Superintendent
Pendleton School District

From the stage, our graduates saw something powerful — a sea of family, friends, staff, and community members who have supported them every step of the way.

To everyone who encouraged, challenged, celebrated, and believed in our students along the journey… thank you. Your impact helped shape the remarkable young adults seated before you.

A special thank you to Happy Canyon for allowing us to use your facility to celebrate this important milestone with our graduates and families.

To the Pendleton High School Class of 2026: we are proud of you, grateful for you, and excited for all that lies ahead. Good luck as you begin your next chapter.

Go Bucks! 🎓💚💛

Today we celebrate the incredible leaders at the heart of our schools—our principals!

On this National School Principals Day, we want to recognize the dedication, compassion, and vision our principals bring to their work each and every day. They are problem-solvers, relationship-builders, cheerleaders, and champions for students and staff alike. From early mornings to late evenings, they lead with purpose to ensure every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Our principals don’t just manage schools—they shape cultures, inspire excellence, and create spaces where both students and adults feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Please join us in thanking our outstanding principals for all they do to make a difference in the lives of our students and our community. 💚💛

Today we celebrate the heart of our front office—our incredible school district secretaries! 💛

From the first warm greeting of the day to the countless ways they support students, staff, and families behind the scenes, our secretaries keep everything running smoothly. Their kindness, organization, and unwavering dedication make a difference in ways big and small, every single day.

Thank you for being the calm in the busy moments, the problem-solvers, and the friendly faces that make our school feel like home. We are so grateful for all that you do!

At the end of March, FFA students from Pendleton High School competed at the Oregon FFA State Convention in Redmond, Oregon.

Advanced Public Speaking

Evelyn Hayes (Junior) placed fourth in the state with her speech, “Hydroponics for a Growing Globe.” To get there, she had to earn her way through the chapter event, the district event, and then the sectional event to put her in the top eight, where she ended up in the top four state finishers.

State FFA Degrees

Four PHS students earned these.

Braden Brown (Senior) earned his State FFA Degree with a focus on working in the Ag Mechanics Pathway, primarily agricultural construction.

Kenedee Parsons (Senior) culminated years of raising and selling market swine with her State FFA Degree. She also serves as the chapter’s Land Lab Manager.

Kayle Smith (Senior), whose Supervised Agriculture Experiences (SAEs) consisted of working at the Columbia Basin Ag Research Center and raising and selling market lambs.

Abigail Wilks (Junior) was the only junior to earn the State FFA Degree. She has several SAEs, including Diversified Livestock Production, Grain Production, Forage Production, and Agricultural Education.

To earn the State FFA Degree, students must show exemplary performance in their SAE by earning $1,500 or a combination of hours and earned money. They must also work a minimum of 500 hours in their SAE. In addition, involvement in leadership activities through FFA, community service, and involvement in other school or community events are required. Each student with a State FFA Degree has also demonstrated proficiency in public speaking and parliamentary procedure. Students in PHS’s Ag Department who earn their State FFA Degree are also able to wear a CTE Honors Stole at graduation.

Marty Campbell, FFA Advisor at PHS, said, “Every one of these kids has traveled their own path to get where they are, and I’m just thankful to be a part of their journey. The hours we spend together helping them achieve their goals is one of the most special things I get to do as an educator. I take my job very seriously in that I am helping build a future for the industry that feeds the world, and in these kids, I’d say the future is bright.”