Dear Skamania School families,
I’m about to finish out my last day as superintendent at Skamania and I want to thank all of you for making my five years here so rewarding. I have truly enjoyed watching our young people grow, embracing learning and begin to discover their passions. Of course, all good things must come to an end at some point and after 42 years in education, I’m looking forward to retirement and experiencing a new way of life that isn’t directly tied to the school year calendar!
As I depart, I wanted to share some exciting staffing news that the board approved at their Monday meeting:
- Milt Dennison has accepted a one year position as Superintendent, starting July 1. His email is mdennison@skamania.k12.wa.us.
- Katie Chavarria has accepted the position of Head Teacher and will split her time as Title I/LAP Coordinator and Head Teacher. Her email is kchavarria@skamania.k12.wa.us.
Mr. Dennison comes to Skamania with over 50 years of experience in education as a Math and PE teacher, adjunct faculty member, administrator, and superintendent. Originally from Colorado, he’s been in the Portland area since 1980 when he was hired as the middle school principal for West Linn School District. He served as superintendent of Canby and Camas School Districts before becoming superintendent of Clackamas Education Service District. Shortly after retiring in 2016, he was asked to become a consultant with the Oregon School Board Association, assisting school districts with their superintendent searches, which has also included filling in as an interim or short-term superintendent when the need arises.
Mrs. Chavarria just finished her second year at Skamania as a teacher and Title I/LAP Coordinator, and will also serve as Head Teacher for the 2022-2023 school year. She came to Skamania after over a decade teaching in Virginia Beach Public Schools and has worked with special education and highly capable students throughout her career. She is currently obtaining her principal certification through Eastern Washington University and is excited to use her experience and new knowledge to support Skamania teachers and students during the coming school year.
I’m grateful for both Mr. Dennison and Mrs. Chavarria for their leadership and know they will do an excellent job leading you and the school through this transition. Mr. Dennison will be on-site at the school a few days a week to support staff and families during this transition time. Mrs. Chavarria will be in the building every day, splitting her time between her coordinator duties and administrator/principal tasks. I’m also extremely grateful to Amber and Heather and their amazing support and organizational skills. They’re the wheels that keep us moving forward into the future!
I’ve included photos of Mr. Dennison and Mrs. Chavarria if you’re not familiar with either of them. When you see them around the school, please say hello.
Thank you again for welcoming me into this community and for another successful school year. I hope you are able to spend some quality time with loved ones over the summer and rest so that you are ready to jump into the next school year come August. I will be thinking of you and wish you all the best!
Sincerely
Dr. Ralph Pruitt, Superintendent/Principal