3 new leaders for Cd'A schools
COEUR d'ALENE - There will be new leaders at all three middle schools in the Coeur d'Alene School District next year, and a new principal at Coeur d'Alene High School.
The school district announced the leadership changes on Thursday.
Chris Hammons, principal at Lakes Magnet Middle School, will fill the principal's position at Woodland Middle School. Hammons will take over for Woodland Principal Jim Lien, who is retiring. Denny Webster, Woodland's assistant principal, is also retiring, so Hammons will seek to fill that vacancy this spring.
"It's a double-edged sword, leaving the people you care about, but it's always exciting to have a new journey," Hammons said. "Woodland's a great school with a great staff. I'm looking forward to helping them grow."
Hammons has been at Lakes for 24 years. He started in 1987 as a teacher, and taught sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grades. He served as vice principal for two years, and then as principal for 15.
Jeff Bengtson, principal at Canfield Middle School, will move to Lakes to assume the position Hammons is moving from. Lakes Assistant Principal Lana Hamilton will continue at Lakes.
Bengtson is completing his 10th year at Canfield, and said moving away is "bittersweet."
"It's certainly tough to leave a building and staff that you've put a lot of time and energy into," Bengtson said. "On the flip side of that, I'm excited, thrilled, and happy for the challenge that lies ahead of me."
He said he spent time at Lakes Thursday afternoon.
"They have a wonderful, awesome staff, and great things going on over there," Bengtson said.
Nick Lilyquist, the vice principal at Canfield, will take over as principal of that school to fill the position vacated by Bengston. Lilyquist will seek to fill the vice principal's vacancy at Canfield.
Randy Russell, principal at CHS, has accepted the superintendent's position at Freeman School District in Eastern Washington. Russell has been in his position at CHS for five years.
"The Freeman School District has a great reputation, and for me to go over there as a superintendent is an incredible opportunity," Russell said. "It would have to be, for me to leave a great place like Coeur d'Alene High School. We've had a great
five-year run."
A search will begin for a new high school principal and is expected to take place during the next 30 to 60 days.
"Jim, Denny and Randy's leaving creates big shoes to fill but I am confident that Chris, Jeff and Nick will continue to provide outstanding leadership in their new positions. We will work diligently to find the right individual to lead CHS," said Coeur d'Alene school Superintendent Hazel Bauman.