The Hood River County School District (HRCSD) Board of Education will vote to appoint Nate Parson as principal of Parkdale Elementary School on Tuesday, July 11, in its meeting.

Parson served as the Hood River Valley High School (HRVHS) assistant principal for the 2022-23 school year as well as from 2014-2018. He served as the assistant principal at Wy’east Middle School from 2018-2022. Parson, who is bilingual (English/Spanish), was an administrator and teacher for eight years at the American School in Guadalajara, Mexico. 

“Nate listens carefully, makes decisions thoughtfully, and advocates for students and staff. These characteristics align neatly with the desired qualities identified by the Parkdale Elementary School staff and families,” Superintendent Rich Polkinghorn said. “Nate will serve the Parkdale community exceptionally well for years to come.”

Parson said that while living and working in Mexico, he and his family learned priceless lessons about living in and navigating a foreign system, learning a second language, and being immersed in a culture different from their own. Parson and his wife have two children who had their first school experiences in their second language. These experiences were challenging and memorable. And, they continue to create a bridge between Parson and the students and families he serves within Hood River County.

“When I see the work accomplished at Parkdale Elementary, I am impressed,” Parson said. “The Parkdale Elementary staff, with the support and  leadership of Principal Hedberg, have cultivated a welcoming, safe, and intentional learning community.”

Parson said he is excited to join the Parkdale Elementary team and continue their work, learning ways to carry out the vision and goals set by the Parkdale school community.

“It is an honor to continue the work of Principal Hedberg with the staff at Parkdale Elementary,” Parson said.

Parson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Western Oregon University (Monmouth, Ore.). He earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Willamette University (Salem, Ore.). Parson earned his administrative license from Concordia University (Portland, Ore.). 

HRCSD will post the HRVHS assistant principal position on its website this week.