Port Angeles: New interim high school principal looks ahead to his year at the helm

PORT ANGELES — When high school students return to classes in September, they will find new leaders in charge.

During the past two weeks, Port Angeles School District officials have announced three staffing changes that will change the face of the North Olympic Peninsula’s largest high school.

“Change is a big part of this campus; it is the norm,” said newly appointed Port Angeles High School interim principal Scott Harker referring to the school’s academic restructuring efforts the past four years.

Harker, 42, was chosen to lead the high school for the next year while district administrators seek a new principal following the reassignment of Michelle Reid.

Reid ,who was the school’s principal for four years, has been appointed the Port Angeles School District’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and assessment.

Since 2000

Harker has been an assistant principal at the high school since 2000, sharing duties with Pat Kane, who also stepped into an assistant principal role four years ago.

Harker’s elevation created an open interim assistant principal position that will be filled by longtime district employee Mary Ann Unger.

Harker officially assumes his new post July 1, but is already busy at work.

“We are still dividing up the duties for next year and will work this summer to make this transition,” Harker said.

He said what will not change is the school’s process of reinvention.

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