By Kristine Thomas
Justin Lieuallen will be trading in his blue and white spirit wear for orange and black as he prepares to cheer for the Foxes, rather than the Celts.
The assistant principal at McNary High School in Keizer for 13 years, Lieuallen was named the new principal of Silverton High School, pending approval of the Silver Falls School board on June 13. Our Town went to press before the meeting.
At McNary, Lieuallen, 45, is responsible for curriculum, master schedule, testing, counseling and provides administrative oversight for ELL, AVID and special education programs in the 2,150-student school.
“He brings a host of experiences and skills to Silverton High School,” Silver Falls Superintendent Andy Bellando said.
Before joining the McNary staff, Lieuallen taught science and coached wrestling for six years at Westview High School in the Beaverton School District. Lieuallen holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Pacific University.
Lieuallen replaces Mark Hannan, who will become principal at Silver Crest Elementary School.
Lieuallen said he was excited when he learned of the opening, and after doing some research on SHS and the district’s Strategic Visioning Plan, he was compelled to apply.
“In addition to seeing an alignment between the district’s beliefs and my own, I also felt that my experiences of growing up in a similar community and having become very familiar with Silverton’s neighbor to the west (Keizer) over the past 13 years, has positioned me to build a robust and enduring relationship with Silverton and its surrounding communities,” Lieuallen said.
Bellando said it was a comprehensive and thorough process to select a new principal for Silverton High, including having the candidates interviewed by a school, community, student and administrative panels. Each panel gave their recommendations to determine the finalists.
“In the end, Lieuallen was chosen for the job,” Bellando said.
The superintendent said Lieuallen is excited to begin this new chapter. Bellando and Lieuallen are scheduled to visit SHS before June 17 so Lieuallen can meet staff members. He begins the new job July 1.
“I’m anxious to meet the staff and students of Silverton High School as well as parents and community members in the local and surrounding areas,” Lieuallen said. “I look forward to the work and celebrations ahead of us.
When asked what people should know about him, Lieuallen said he’s a family man with rural roots and a strong appreciation for academics, sports, and the arts.
“I believe it is my duty as a school leader to ensure that our students feel connected to their school and community, have equitable access to the resources we offer and that our staff members are provided the appropriate resources, guidance and support to ensure that our students obtain optimal benefit from their education,” Lieuallen said.
Bellando said Lieuallen brings to Silverton High School extensive experiences as both a teacher and administrator at the high school level.
“He is involved in his community, has led numerous small and large staff improvement practices and comes with high praise from teachers, classified staff members and administrators,” Bellando said. “He is a good communicator and his personality will be a good fit for Silverton High School.”
Lieuallen credits a high school teacher and coach for inspiring him to pursue a career in teaching and coaching.
“He taught me how one person, who is dedicated to supporting students at almost any cost, can make a difference in a teenager’s life,” Lieuallen said.
