July 01, 2014

Alumna named principal of Oregon middle school

Karen Pugsley MEd ’03 has been named principal at Newberg’s Chehalem Valley Middle School.

Karen Pugsley MEd ’03 has been named principal at Newberg’s Chehalem Valley Middle School. Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza praised Pugsley as a collaborative leader and said her decision making centers on what she sees as best for kids.

Pugsley received her bachelor’s degree in history and English literature before earning a master’s in education from Lewis & Clark. She coordinated the Newberg School District’s talented and gifted program, directed the Newberg Community Learning Center, and spent four years coordinating Newberg High School’s transition to a small schools model. Since its founding in 2007, she has served as the principal of Green School, one of four personalized learning environments within the high school.

“My first teaching job was at the middle level, and I appreciate the energy, critical thinking, and independence of middle school students,” Pugsley told the Portland Tribune. “I have a unique perspective after 22 years at the high school level and hope to spark a sustained conversation about the power of our middle schools to prepare students for life after high school.”

Caleb Diehl ’16 contributed to this story.

Education Leadership