Olsen replaces Burke at McMinnville High School

Kris Olsen is back in the principal’s office at McMinnville High School. He replaces longtime assistant principal Sean Burke, who was tapped in August to run the school during the 2015-16 school year so Olsen could devote his full attention to a special project — presentation of a major new bond issue to the public.

Olsen spent the last several months helping develop and communicate details of a renovation and expansion measure headed to voters in May, just as the school year is winding down. But instead of continuing his work at district office, he returned to Mac High Monday, when students and teachers returned from their holiday break.

At a forum for parents Thursday — one of a series of informational meetings he holds once or twice a month — Olsen assured Grizzly mothers and fathers that “things are okay” at the school. He said he is committed to Mac High and its almost 2,200 students and 200 staff members.

Burke, employed at Mac High since 1994, could not be immediately reached for comment. But a letter sent to parents this week indicated he had “chosen to move on to other endeavors,” leaving the school’s administrative team in the process.

The district would not comment further on Burke’s sudden departure.

In recent years, Burke served as the assistant principal in charge of curriculum and helped the school prepare students for college. Prior to that, he served as athletic director.

A University of Portland graduate, he began his career at the school as a social studies teacher and basketball coach. He was named Oregon’s assistant principal of the year in 2011-12.

Burke’s departure leaves the school with three assistant principals — Tony Vicknair, Mark Hinthorn and Amy Fast, the latter new this year.

Olsen acknowledged he hadn’t expected to be transitioning back to Mac High so soon. But he’s glad to be back with the students and staff at the school, where he was named principal in 2003.

“I always want to be a high school principal,” he said. “I love the energy level here ... high energy. It inspires you to work really hard.”

Students have been “incredibly kind, receptive and welcoming” to him this week, he said.

Olsen is a Linfield College graduate. He taught and coached in Amity and Woodburn before assuming a middle school principalship in McMinnville.

He spent several years as principal of South Salem High School before returning to McMinnville to lead Mac High. He was named Oregon principal of the year in 2014-15.

Under Olsen’s leadership, Superintendent Maryalice Russell said earlier this school year, Mac High has made great strides. It has improved its test scores and graduation rates to among the best in the state; developed small learning communities and career studies programs; and helped students prepare for higher education and earn college credits before receiving diplomas.

While he’s back at the Mac High helm,Olsen said he will continue working on the bond issue as well. Mostly, he said, that will involve morning or evening meetings, or luncheon presentations to civic and service groups, so he’ll be able to fit it into his schedule.

Planning for the bond measure was completed during the fall, he said, and board members granted their approval in December.

The bond request includes numerous projects at Mac High, including construction of a career center where students would learn skills in manufacturing, engineering, horticulture and trades such as welding; expansion of other career pathway space; and construction of a new gym.

Other projects included in the $89.4 million bond are designed to improve safety and security throughout the district, upgrade windows and lighting for better energy efficiency, and make other repairs and improvements at various facilities, including Newby Elementary. The district hopes to win a state grant that will bring in up to $7 million more to complete other projects as well.

Cost of the bond is estimated about $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, which is typically lower than real market value. However, district officials said voters would not see an overall increase in their property tax rates, because a 1997 bond running $1.50 will be paid off this year.

If the new bond replaces the old one, McMinnville School District voters will continue to see an overall property tax rate of about $2.80 per $1,000 for all bond repayment obligations for the school system.