“We are very pleased to have Jon on board. His depth and width of experience combined with his solid skills make him a good fit for our school district and community,” said South Bend School Board President Steve Rogers. “He has a strong sense of our culture combined with a solid academic background.”
Tienhaara, a Naselle native, currently is the high school principal, business manager, and on-line learning (Homelink) principal at Naselle. A graduate of the University of Washington, he is currently working on his superintendent credentials and Educational Leadership doctorate at Seattle University.
The South Bend board was impressed with Jon’s experience and his understanding of the unique features of a small school and community.
"I have only ever worked in a small school district,” Tienhaara said, “Coming from Naselle, I know all too well the challenges faced by small, rural schools. However, I believe small schools can support our kids in ways larger schools cannot. I look forward to working with the community and staff to provide the very best educational programs possible. My wife (Megan) and our three girls are very excited to come to South Bend. We are impressed with the level of community support for the schools and look forward to getting to know the people."
Tienhaara will begin his work at South Bend July 1, 2014.
“We’re pleased we were able to get a jump on this,” Rogers said. “Hiring a superintendent is the most important responsibilityof a school board. Finding someone who can join our team and help staff and students reach their potential is a big challenge and we are confident that Jon will provide the leadership we need during these challenging times in education.
“Mike Morris has been a tremendous asset to our schools and community and will be missed,” Rogers added. He has been a tremendous help during the hiring process and will be working with Jon during a transition period.”
"I feel honored and privileged to succeed Mike Morris as superintendent of the South Bend School District,” Tienhaara added. “Mike has built a legacy in providing the very best for his school and students. He leaves large shoes to fill and I wish him and his wife Tammy the very best as he retires."