Joe Kelly selected as principal of Hood River Options Academy
Hood River County School District (HRCSD) is pleased to announce Joe Kelly's appointment as the permanent principal of Hood River Options Academy (HROA). Kelly, who has served as the temporary principal of HROA for the 2023-24 school year, brings a wealth of experience in education, leadership, and community engagement to his new role.
Kelly's qualifications are extensive, encompassing various areas important to educational leadership. His strengths are relationship-building with students, parents, faculty, and the community, curriculum development, data-driven instruction, proficiency-based grading, and AVID instruction and oversight.
His educational background includes a Master of Education in secondary education from Portland State University, an Administrator Licensure from Concordia University of Chicago, and a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Olivet College, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with Honors in Biology.
Kelly has been a dedicated educator for more than 20 years. From 2002 to 2023, he taught various science subjects at Hood River Valley High School (HRVHS), including physical science, general life science, biology, honors medical biology, and AP environmental science. Additionally, he has coached high school boys' and girls' soccer.
Superintendent Bill Newton expressed his excitement about continuing to work with Joe Kelly as principal.
"Joe Kelly's commitment to education, his leadership skills, and dedication to student success make him an excellent choice for the principal position at Hood River Options Academy. I am confident that the program will continue to develop under his leadership," said Superintendent Newton.
Kelly said he looks forward to working collaboratively with staff, students, parents, and the wider community to ensure HROA’s continued success.
Please contact Stephanie Hoppe, HRCSD communications director, for media inquiries or further information (phone: 541-387-5716 / email: stephanie.hoppe@hoodriver.k12.or.us).