By Kristine Thomas
Kennedy High School Principal Troy Stoops recently attended a conference where a lawyer told her audience if anyone was considering becoming a principal or a superintendent they might want to reconsider.
“She told us these are challenging times in education,” Troy Stoops said, adding the problems stems from an increase in education mandates and the decrease in education funding.
Understanding every job has its ups and downs, Stoops said he is ready for the test.
The Mount Angel School Board members chose Stoops as the district’s next superintendent. He will replace Bob Young, who retires in June after 10 years with the Mount Angel School district and 32 years in education. Stoops will begin his new position July 1. A new high school principal will be recruited.
“If I have the opportunity to make a difference and make an impact, I would rather have the opportunity rather than let it pass me by,” Stoops said.
A graduate of Redmond High School, Stoops, 48, said he didn’t plan to become an educator. He worked on ranches and competed in rodeos until he was 24. He attended Blue Mountain Community College, adding he didn’t do well because he wasn’t ready for college. When he was 27 years old, married and the father of one daughter with another on the way he returned to Oregon State University to study veterinary medicine.
“I was taking an accelerated physics class when my youngest daughter was born,” he recalled. “I had to miss a couple days of school and I got behind. My father-in-law talked to me about becoming a teacher and I decided that would be the best decision for my family.”
He and his wife, Megan, have two daughters, Ellen, who will graduate from Oregon State this spring and Audrey, who is a sophomore at OSU.
He taught agriculture at Silverton High, was a principal at Silver Crest Elementary School, helped with the unification process of the Silver Falls School District, was the principal at St. Mary’s Elementary School before becoming the principal at Kennedy High School. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Oregon State University and his administrator’s license from Portland State University.
“I am probably not the traditional administrator,” he said. “Becoming an educator is something I stumbled across but I love showing up to work everyday and I want to make a difference.”
Young said Stoops is deserving of the opportunity, adding Stoops’ experience as a principal at both elementary and high schools is “invaluable.”
“Just as important, he is established with the community, especially with students, staff and parents,” Young said. “As a first-time superintendent, Troy will have a high learning curve next year. I know he is up for the challenge and I am confident he will do a great job.”
Eager to learn, Stoops said he’s not afraid to ask for advice. He’s thankful he has worked with both retired Silver Falls Superintendent Craig Roessler and Young, adding he’s learned a great deal from both. He considers Silver Falls Superintendent Andy Bellando a mentor.
“They don’t tell you what to do but encourage you to think about all aspects,” Stoops said. “I think it’s important to surround myself with knowledgeable people who are willing to help out when needed.”
Because of his diverse background, Stoops said he’s able to relate to students who may be struggling in school.
“Every time I have faced adversity, it was an opportunity to learn,” he said.
Realizing challenging times are head for school districts, Stoops is also optimistic the economy will turn around. He encourages patrons to share their ideas or concerns.
“I have an open door policy,” he said.
