MADRAS, OR -- The Jefferson County School Board named its next Superintendent, this week. Warm Springs K8 Academy Principal Ken Parshall will take over the top job when Rick Molitor retires at the end of June.

Parshall was hired as Principal two years ago, and says he will stay on in Warm Springs for two more years. "Yes, I'm going to do double duty and it's really important to me that I'm able to continue the work here in Warm Springs with my teachers and support staff, and administrators and counselors that we're doing with children in Warm Springs. We're making great progress and I want to serve in a larger role and help students throughout our district. But, it's also important that I stay involved at Warm Springs K8 Academy." He tells KBND News, "I have tremendous support in this school, where I'm at now, and I really believe in the district team that I'll have around me and the school team I'll have here at the K8. We're really dedicated to making sure the school continues to improve, but also as an entire district we can continue improving learning outcomes for kids." After two years, Parshall expects to transition to a full-time Superintendent.

He's worked in education for nearly 30 years. Parshall was the Crook County High School Principal from 2000 to 2003. "I just have always been motivated to help children as much as possible. Education is the most rewarding and important work in our society, I believe. It's also tremendously difficult at times. And, it's so important that we stay focused on helping every kid learn and grow in better ways today than they did yesterday."

Parshall was one of two finalists for the post, but the other dropped out at the last minute for personal reasons. The school board says Parshall was chosen because he was the best candidate for the job.