Adam Watkins
CRESWELL – Creswell High School Principal Adam Watkins last week announced his resignation from the District, effective in June.
”It was a decision that was difficult to come by, due to the wonderful students, staff and community that is here in Creswell,” Watkins said in his resignation letter. ”This decision is solely based on the need to be closer to my family and situations that require more availability and presence as a father and husband.”
He came from Salem-Keizer School District as a district-level administrator in 2017, following the resignation of the former principal, Andy Bracco.
Attempts to reach Watkins were not successful by presstime Tuesday.
I am truly sorry to see Adam leave,” said City Manager Michelle Amberg. ”He came into the high school at a difficult time and turned things around. I have come to appreciate him as an important part of the lives of Creswell’s teens. He was approachable and genuinely interested in anything that would provide more opportunities for the high school kids.”
During his time at CHS, Creswell Superintendent Mike Johnson said that the high school course offerings schedule and student achievement data demonstrated marked improvement since Watkins’ time in the district, including:
The OSAS ELA assessment proficiency levels are at the top 10% of the state for high schools, with an improved achievement level of 87% (10% increase from 2017/18) meets/exceeds proficiency standards in 2018-19.
Increased number of CTE courses from one to four, and will be adding two more by the end of the 2019/20 school year.
Increased Advanced Placement courses.
Double the number of College Now course offerings and opportunities for students.
The cohort graduation rate has increased by 10% for all students to an astounding 87%, and by 2% for students experiencing economic disadvantages. The high school completion rate increased as well, from 89% to 94%.
Lane County Sheriff Scott Denham said that Watkins made positive changes that addressed the culture of the student body, by changing the approach to discipline and holding students accountable for their actions. Denham said that after police conducted a safety assessment at the school, Watkins was proactive in working toward solutions to implement many of the safety and security measures that were suggested.
”He also took an active role in educating students on active threat protocols through ALICE and designing/conducting drills,” in active threat and shooter scenarios, Denham said.
The first step in the process will be to develop a list of characteristics for the next CHS principal and post the position for a nationwide search for principal candidates by Feb. 14. That listing will be open for 10 working days, Johnson said.
There will be an interview committee comprised of teachers, classified staff, parents and administrators and the District will select an applicant screening committee of administrators to screen the applications for the highest qualified candidates for the position.
After the 10th business day of the posting, the committee will conduct the first round of interviews and forward two or three candidates to Johnson for a final round of interviews and background research.
The plan is to have a new high school principal introduced and in place by March 20.
”I am confident that the district will be able to find someone to replace me that will continue the amazing work that we have been engaged in while I have been here,” Watkins said. ”We have a wonderful and dedicated staff that work very hard to provide the best education and school experience for the students at CHS.
”I wish to offer my sincere gratitude to many of you that have made my short time here in Creswell memorable,” Watkins said. ”I will take a small piece of this school and community with me in my heart and know that it will always remain.”
NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Superintendent Mike Johnson cited Adam Watkins for:
• The OSAS ELA assessment proficiency levels are at the top 10% of the state for high schools
• Increased number of CTE courses from one to four, with two more added by the end of the school year.
• The cohort graduation rate has increased by 10% for all students to an 87%, and by 2% for students experiencing economic disadvantages.
