CRESWELL — Superintendent Mike Johnson announced on Monday that Dr. Chad Towe is Creswell High School’s next principal.
“Dr. Towe has led diverse schools through strategic planning, equity-focused initiatives, and measurable academic achievement gains,” Johnson stated in the news release.
Towe has spent over 20 years in education, including teaching and leadership roles in Seattle, Salem, Springfield, and internationally. After completing his studies at Washington State University, he earned his Doctor of Education in Policy, Leadership, and Methodology from the University of Oregon.
Darwin Terry, former Pleasant Hill Billes boys basketball coach, works for the Springfield School District. “I had the chance to work with Dr. Towe when he was the principal at Thurston. This is an excellent hire, and he will do great things for our students, teachers, and staff. He will also be great for the community,” Terry said. “His success comes from building positive relationships with students, teachers, and staff.”
CHS staff identified key leadership traits based on Marzano’s Framework. Emphasized traits include culture, communication, discipline, affirmation, and situational awareness.
“He has built a career on increasing graduation rates, expanding opportunities for students, and cultivating inclusive school cultures,” Johnson said, adding that he is committed to a “seamless continuation of the school’s mission and values.”
Towe will assume his role on July 1, though his transition begins immediately with district-level meetings to ensure a smooth integration into our school community.
Towe will replace Jenny Collins, who was hired as CHS principal in 2020. However, Collins will not be leaving the district. She will be trading her principal hat for one she’s worn in the past—as a middle school counselor.
Collins’ husband was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2017, a type of bone and blood cancer.
“It is treatable, but not curable,” Collins said. “He is doing good, but has treatments … I needed to be able to dedicate more time to him and be able to manage our lives. Being a principal (and my obligated personality) doesn’t allow me to do that. So, when the middle school counseling position opened, I applied.” She was a middle school counselor for a decade and said that she looks forward to supporting students and families as a CMS Tiger.
Collins’ departure follows the April 29 announcement of Brandon Standridge’s departure, who was hired as CHS’s assistant principal and athletic director in 2019.
The school opened application screenings for the VP and AD positions on Monday. The annual income ranges from $101,412 to $111,939. More info: creswell.schoolspring.com
