The Pendleton School District Board of Directors is pleased to announce that pending successful contract negotiation, the Pendleton School District’s search for a new superintendent is complete.

This morning, the Pendleton School District Board voted unanimously to offer the district’s top job to Kevin Headings at a special board meeting. Headings is currently a principal at West Park Elementary School in Hermiston.

Headings will begin his new position as Pendleton’s superintendent on July 1, 2022, taking over for Chris Fritsch, who is retiring after five years as the district’s leader. “Chris has been a phenomenal leader for our district and will be greatly missed, “said PSD Board Chair Lynn Lieuallen. “We thank him for all he has done for our staff and students. Mr. Fritsch has been instrumental in developing and making our strategic plan a working document to focus our district goals. He has made it a priority to lower our class sizes, especially at the elementary level. He navigated us through COVID, where we not only survived but found ways to keep our district thriving. We wish him well in retirement.”

Lieuallen is looking forward to continuing the good work in the district under Heading’s direction.

The board appreciated Kevin’s leadership style and student focus during the interview process, making decisions based on “what’s best for kids.”

The board wants to thank Bill Jordan and Sergio Hernandez of Northwest Leadership Associates, the district staff, students, families, and community members for their time and effort during this search process. All of the input was invaluable to the board in making their decision and very much appreciated.

Following this announcement, Pendleton School District will enter into negotiations with Headings regarding his contract. The board plans to approve the contract at the next regular school board meeting on April 11.