Announcing Your New Principal
May 2024
Dear staff and families:
I am pleased to announce that Martín Castillo will be the new principal of James John Elementary School. Mr. Castillo is currently serving as the interim principal at James John.
Martín is well-known in the James John community, having begun his career as an educator at the school in 2013 when he led several initiatives, including the climate, and Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS) teams. Martin was also instrumental in implementing restorative justice practices and filled in as principal when needed.
Martín left James John briefly to serve as a teacher during the pandemic at Rosa Parks Elementary School. During his time there, he finished his administrative degree. In 2020 he began working in the Multiple Tiered Systems of Support Department for PPS. As an MTSS TOSA he supported eight schools. Martín was responsible for facilitating professional development opportunities for staff and guiding them in the application of functional behavioral assessments. He also collaborated with district leaders to conduct a Culturally-Responsive Tiered Fidelity Inventory for his cohort of schools.
In August of 2022, Martín returned to James John, this time as assistant principal. He quickly helped to establish a wrap-around system of support for all students. He also brought together the James John leadership, climate, and student intervention teams in an effort to craft a shared vision for the school. In 2023, he became interim principal and Martín has worked closely with staff and the community to provide an inclusive educational experience for all students.
Martín, a fluent Spanish speaker, earned both his B.S. in history and master of education in curriculum instruction from Portland State University.
Please join me in congratulating Martín Castillo on being named principal of James John Elementary School.
Cordially,
Dr. Jon Franco,
Chief of Schools