Curriculum director is newest principal

David Tudor is traveling the road less taken when it comes to his job with the Washougal School District.

The new Hathaway Elementary School principal began as a special education teacher at Washougal High School in 2000. Seven years later, he left to work for the state Superintendent’s Office. Tudor returned to Washougal as a part-time contracted employee in 2009 and now holds the position of curriculum director.

On July 1, Tudor, 40, will take on his new role of principal. Laura Bolt, who currently holds the position, is retiring at the end of the school year.

“I want to be closer to students, families, and educators,” Tudor said. “The learning walks that I get to take each Tuesday are the highlight of my week. I return to central office re-invigorated and refocused, with a reminder of why we do the work that we do at the district level.”

He noted that USA Today recently reported school principal as the “happiest” job.

“The principalship is hard work but also extremely rewarding,” Tudor said.

Goals for the coming school year include working to implement the new state testing standards and new teacher-principal evaluation system.

Personal goals include open communication with parents and educators, helping empower students, families and staff; and continuing to foster a “collaborative school culture.”

“I also want to maintain a healthy balance between my work and personal life,” Tudor said. “This one is very important to me. I anticipate a steep learning curve and a high level of time commitment. However, I don’t want to let the job to be all consuming. My family, friends, colleagues and students will all benefit from a healthy balance.”

Tudor recently moved to Washougal from Portland with his two dogs and cat.

He noted that retiring principal Bolt will be leaving some “big shoes” to fill.

“We have been working on the transition plan and she is really helping me to understand a lot of the processes that are already in place at Hathaway,” Tudor said. “Being in the district and having experience with the building I think will allow us to hit the ground running in the 2015-16 school year.”