Kevin Ricker, Centennial High School Principal since 2010, has been named the Oregon High School Principal of the Year by the Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA) and the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators (COSA).  This award automatically places Ricker in the running for the National High School Principal of the Year Award from the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and MetLife.

Under Ricker’s leadership, Centennial High School has experienced significant gains in student achievement.  On the Oregon State Assessments (OAKS), Centennial students increased by 12% in reading and 12% in mathematics in a one-year period.  Their cumulative passing percentage as a school for reading was 89% and for mathematics was 84%, placing them among the best at any level in Oregon.  According to the Oregon State Report Card, Centennial outperformed all schools with comparative demographics, and they far exceeded the state averages in both assessment areas.   Ricker states, “Our staff is showing a renewed sense of motivation and pride in their work and in the academic achievement and learning of our students.  This is an excellent example of how providing an opportunity for shared leadership, collaboration and support, can produce significant results in a committed organization.  I believe the process of change requires communication, trust and leadership at all levels.  The ability to change our school community is directly related to the individuals inside our educational environment. It was their belief, dedication and work that ultimately produced such significant results.”

According to his staff, “Kevin has brought sweeping change to Centennial through his get-things-done attitude and support of staff.  Kevin’s open door office hours during the day allow staff and students to voice concerns, and his ability to listen and perceive the heart of the matter allows him to quickly provide solutions.  Within his first year, he updated poor classroom and lab technology, turned a contentious final exam schedule into one friendly for staff and students alike, identified low performers in sub-groups and provided necessary interventions, and implemented a three-lunch class schedule to reduce cafeteria crowding and to provide every student a seat.  When issues are brought before him, Kevin will find creative ways to target specific staff supports despite the decrease in budget funds.”

Centennial School District serves approximately 6,400 students in seven elementary, one grades 7-8 middle school, one alternative high school and one high school.  The school district is located 15 miles east of downtown Portland and is close to the Portland International Airport and Mt. Hood Community College.  Drawing from neighborhoods in both Multnomah and Clackamas Counties, the District serves a diverse population including students who represent 47 different languages.  A substantial English Language Development program supports students who have a primary language other than English.  Centennial High school serves approximately 1,900 students and approximately 57% of those are considered to be economically disadvantaged.

Ricker will be honored at the 38th Annual COSA Professional Development Conference in Seaside, June 21-23.  He will also be honored in September at the NASSP State Principals of the Year Institute and Awards Gala in Washington, D.C.