Eugene School District 4J

Several 4J schools and departments have new leadership for the coming school year:

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Arts & Technology Academy Assistant Principal: Steven Tygart 
Kelly Principal: Sarah Prater

HIGH SCHOOL

Churchill Principal: Kevin Rodemack
North Eugene Principal: Ricci Huling

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
Prevention Administrator: Grace Bullock
Director of School Safety: Jennifer Bills

Please welcome these education leaders to their new positions!

(This post will be updated as additional appointments are announced.)
 

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Arts & Technology Academy Assistant Principal: Steven Tygart

Mr. Tygart will be joining Arts & Technology Academy as assistant principal, following Kyle Kordon’s move to Portland this summer. Steven currently serves as student success voordinator at South Eugene High School and has previously taught at North Eugene and Churchill high schools/ He brings a student-centered approach to leadership, with a strong background in both general and special education, as well as experience supporting school climate, attendance and behavior systems. This will be Mr. Tygart’s first administrative role—please join us in welcoming him to the district’s administrative team. Fun fact: Steven is a former analytical chemist and hot yoga instructor—bringing a unique blend of science, mindfulness and calm to his work with students and staff.

Kelly Principal: Sarah Prater

Ms. Prater is a familiar face at Kelly, having served as assistant principal for the past five years. She has worked in education since 2003 and with 4J since 2007. Prior to her arrival at Kelly, she taught language arts at South Eugene High School for ten years, served as the district’s K–12 Literacy, Talented and Gifted (TAG) and English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA), and coached other districts through multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) implementation. She holds a master’s degree in teaching from Pacific University, and bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Oregon.

At Kelly, Ms. Prater has developed a teacher leadership model to deepen responsibility for planning and implementation to achieve school goals. She is a systems thinker who effectively leads our data team and academic and behavioral support efforts at Kelly.  Ms. Prater is a loyal and committed educator who will do whatever is needed for our students, staff and families – and truly serves as Kelly’s instructional leader. In her new role, Ms. Prater will build upon our collective work to maintain and bolster a positive school climate, support culturally and linguistically diverse students in both Spanish and Japanese Immersion programs, and lead with integrity, consistency and care.

HIGH SCHOOLS

Churchill Prinicipal: Kevin Rodemack

Mr. Rodemack joins 4J with more than a decade of experience as an educator and school leader, including the past six years as principal of Crow Middle/High School in the nearby Crow-Applegate-Lorane School District. As the sole administrator of a small school, he wore many hats—serving not only as principal but also as CTE coordinator, guidance counselor and athletic director! This broad experience has shaped a well-rounded, student-centered leadership style grounded in teamwork, trust and responsiveness. He is fluent in Spanish and values inclusive, culturally responsive communication. Known for his visibility, strong relationship-building and commitment to equity, Mr. Rodemack is looking forward to collaborating with colleagues and contributing to our secondary leadership team.

North Eugene Principal: Ricci Huling

Ms. Huling is a thoughtful and dedicated leader with over 20 years of experience in education. She has been assistant principal at South Eugene High School, where she championed inclusive practices, student leadership and restorative approaches. Her roots run deep in 4J—Ms. Huling began her teaching career here and even taught at North Eugene back in 2009–10. She brings a strong equity lens, cross-cultural perspective and a passion for student voice to her new role – will continue to make a meaningful impact at 4J. Fun fact: In 2015, Ricci and her family spent a year living and working abroad in Chile, embracing the experience of a new culture and language.

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

Prevention Administrator: Dr. Grace Bullock

Dr. Bullock is a transformational leader with over 25 years of experience in mental health leadership, prevention, intervention, research, and policy. She has long championed the creation of safe, welcoming, and inclusive systems that honor diversity, equity, and intersectionality. She has dedicated much of her work to creating safe, inclusive, and equitable systems that support student and staff well-being. And as if the work she has engaged in doesn't keep her busy enough, in her spare time she also authored the acclaimed book, Mindful Relationships: 7 Skills for Success ~ Integrating the Science of Mind, Body & Brain.

Most recently, Dr. Bullock served as the director of mental health at the Oregon Department of Education, where she led statewide initiatives to strengthen mental health in schools. She brings a wealth of knowledge in psychology, neuroscience, and systems change and continues to teach on topics of stress, resilience, and well-being as an adjunct professor. Beyond her professional work, she is a musician, outdoor enthusiast, dog lover and, as a native of Toronto, Canada, an insatiable hockey fan. She looks forward to collaborating with 4J educators and staff to enhance prevention efforts and support our school communities.

School Safety Director: Jennifer Bills

Jennifer Bills, a 30-year public safety expert from our community, has been based at main district office since October, overseeing the safety department, which includes the campus monitors, the district's emergency preparedness and responses, and coordination with our local safety partners and first responders. 

Ms. Bills previously served as an instructor in the behavioral health unit of the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, the state agency that trains and licenses sworn police and security personnel. She has also been a vice president for statewide safety and security for Planned Parenthood in Oregon, and was an officer and supervisor in the Eugene Police Department for 25 years, retiring at the rank of lieutenant, but also having served as an acting-in-capacity captain, and a commander of various special sections. A University of Oregon graduate with additional studies in criminal justice with Boston University, Bills is also a graduate of the Senior Management Institute of Policing and the FBI National Academy. 

Her experience with public safety agencies, behavioral health, trauma-informed service, multi-campus security oversight, and extensive relationships with local law enforcement, makes her an exceptional fit for 4J as the district manages real and perceived safety concerns and preparedness across its 36 campuses.