The Oregon Trail School District (OTSD) announced the hiring of Rachael
George as the new principal of Sandy Grade School. George is the second new
administrator to join the district this summer, following the hire of Nicole
Johnston as the new principal at Cedar Ridge Middle School in Sandy.

The district was expected to also announce a new principal for the Oregon
Trail Primary Academy during the last week of July, following the departure of
principal James Miliken, who previously served as the Teacher on Special
Assignment at Welches Schools.

Julia Monteith, district communications director, noted the search process was
a little more challenging due to resignations occurring later in the summer
than what is ideal.

“We are fortunate to have found such a highly qualified candidate in a rather
short period of time,” added Superintendent Aaron Bayer in a press release
about the George’s hiring.

George has experience teaching in elementary, middle and high school and
most recently served as the principal at Lorna Byrne Middle School in the
Three Rivers School District in Grants Pass.

Johnston grew up in Sandy, attending Cedar Ridge Middle School and
graduating from Sandy High School, and has experience as a language arts
teacher, instructional coach and substitute administrator at Centennial High
School in Gresham.

Pool update
The OTSD and City of Sandy recently concluded a phone survey to gauge the
interest of city residents in taking over operations of the Olin Bignall Aquatic
Center, including a possible utility fee of up to $7 per month (with city
residents receiving a reduced rate for use of the pool).

City Manager Seth Atkinson is expected to address the city council some time
in August with the results, and declined to share any specifics from the survey
before he did so.

“Overall I can say the response was generally positive feedback,” Atkinson
wrote in an email to The Mountain Times.