Nordquist takes middle school helm

The 300 students, 15 teachers, and three support staff of Sisters Middle School will have a new leader this fall. Eight-year Sisters school system veteran Lora Nordquist has been chosen as the interim principal, replacing Rich Shultz.

Nordquist has been a language arts instructor, as well as district curriculum coordinator, at Sisters High School. She says she is prepared for the responsibility and the important contributions she can make at the middle school.

"There are lots of studies that show good principals are part of the formula of good schools," she noted.

However, Nordquist emphasized, the real work that leads to excellence is rooted in the interaction between teacher and student.

"I see the most critical component of my job as being the instructional leader, that is, in supporting instructors and helping them continually improve their teaching skills," Nordquist said.

Nordquist describes herself as "a process person -- not a barge ahead type."

Going to the middle school is a "coming home" of sorts for Nordquist.

"My first five years teaching in Sisters I taught at the combined middle-high school," she said. "I know some of the teachers quite well -- I'm very much looking forward to this fall."

For the past year, she has been taking college classes which will lead to an administrator's license. Part of the program is 360 hours of practicum, or professional on-the-job experience.

"I was fortunate to work with Boyd (Keyser) at the high school this year," she noted.

"But," she added, "up to two years ago, I hadn't thought of administration (as a career). It was (Sisters school superintendent) Steve Swisher's mentorship that made the difference."

Besides her new role as principal, Nordquist will continue as curriculum coordinator for the 1,100-student Sisters School District.

Nordquist's experience with kids isn't limited to school. She and husband John) are raising two children.