FGSD hires Newberg's David Parker as superintendent

The assistant superintendent of the Newberg School District will start work in Forest Grove on July 1.

David Parker has been selected as the new superintendent for the Forest Grove School District, the district announced Wednesday morning, May 2.

Parker has been serving as assistant superintendent for the past six years in the Newberg School District. Before that, he assumed various administrative roles over 22 years in the Hillsboro School District, lastly as executive director of secondary education.

"I am truly excited to have been named the new superintendent of this fine district," a district press release quoted Parker saying. "In the coming months, I look forward to meeting with teachers, students, staff and community members. In these meetings I will seek to learn their hopes and dreams for the Forest Grove School District. I have already seen an incredible amount of strong work done in the district and my goal will be to help focus and fine tune that work."

With 25 applicants, the board narrowed it down to four finalists, including the current interim superintendent, John O'Neill. After the finalists met with community members on Monday, April 30, the board held one final interview Tuesday, May 1, before making a decision.

"The Board thoughtfully reviewed our 360 Survey, received input from our staff and community, and believe Dave Parker will be an excellent relationship builder who believes 'many of our best ideas come from staff members,' said board Chairwoman Kate Grandusky. "The educational depth of Dave's experiences both in Newberg and Hillsboro along with his warm smile and sense of humor will provide the right balance for our school district in going forward."

Parker will assume his new role July 1.

"Representatives of the Board will take formal action on his hire and approval of the contract during the regularly scheduled May 14, 2018, board meeting," district spokesman David Warner said.

The previous Forest Grove superintendent, Yvonne Curtis, resigned in December and subsequently took a job with Portland Public Schools, Oregon's largest K-12 public school district. O'Neill has been filling in since Curtis' resignation.