The Hermiston School District has narrowed its list of finalists to replace Hermiston High School principal Jocelyn Jones down to two.
The district is inviting the public to meet the candidates during a “meet and greet” session on Tuesday, March 3 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the HHS library. Jones announced she will retire at the end of the school year.
The finalists are Beth VanderVeen from Everett, Wash., and Joseph Harris from Tennessee.
VanderVeen has worked in education for over 25 years and has 19 years of experience as a building-level administrator. In 2006 she was recognized as Washington State High School Principal of the Year. VanderVeen worked her way up the ranks starting off as an instructional aide, while attending college, and most recently serving as a district director of student services and athletics in the Mukilteo School District in Everett, Wash.
Harris entered the field of education in 2008 as a teacher, after earning a master’s degree in education. Since 2011, he has served as an administrator, starting as a teacher/administrator and moving up to assistant principal/athletic director, and most recently freshman academy administrator/athletic director in a large 2,200 student high school in Cookeville, Tenn.
Those attending Tuesday’s event are asked to remain for the entire duration in order to meet both candidates and provide feedback to the selection committee through anonymous comment cards.
