Spartans to welcome Haggett as principal

PRIEST RIVER — There’s a new face in the principal’s place at Priest River Lamanna Junior/Senior High School.

Vanessa Haggett is replacing Matt George after the West Bonner County School District Board of Trustees approved her hiring at their Wednesday, June 25 meeting.

Interviews of the four finalists selected for interviews and a series of community forums were held Monday, June 23. Those selected for interviews were Haggett, Shane Johnston, Tommy Hansen and Kelli Hudson.

Formerly, Haggett was principal of both Eagle Cap Innovative High School and Baker Virtual Academy in Baker City, Oregon. She has 18 years of experience as an educator, having taught grades fourth through 12th in various subjects including culinary arts, physical education, yearbook and science.

“During her time as principal, Vanessa transformed Eagle Cap from a struggling alternative school into a thriving educational choice with a waitlist,” WBCSD Superintendent Kim Spacek said in a press release. “She increased course offerings, improved attendance and graduation rates and introduced the Sources of Strength program.”

Sources of Strength is a student-driven, comprehensive wellness and prevention program that promotes student mental health by helping students identify and develop ways to build their resilience.

“Vanessa is deeply committed to fostering inclusive and respectful learning environments, and she has a strong track record of working with local community partners to celebrate student success and support families,” Spacek said in the press release.

Haggett will be placed on the district’s salary schedule based on her experience and degree credits. A timeline will be created to submit her Idaho certification with an administrative endorsement soon, Spacek told the board.

Kendra Salesky, West Bonner business director, said Haggett’s salary is comparable to what Matt George, the previous PRLHS principal, was paid and falls within the district’s existing budget.

Haggett was also a science teacher at Paisley Charter School in Oregon from 2019–2022. Prior to that she was a science teacher at Baechtel Grove Middle School in Willits, California. She is married to Kris Haggett and the couple has two sons.

Other news at the June 25 meeting was trustee Margaret Hall serving as a temporary assistant board clerk with current clerk Julie Hinshaw assisting for the next two months. Hinshaw is recently employed with the West Bonner Library District. Hinshaw agreed to help with the transition. The board clerk position will remain open until it is filled.

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