Cherry Park's Kate Barker is the 2020-21 Oregon Elementary Principal of the Year

Barker has been an educator in the district for 30 years. She began as a fourth and fifth-grade teacher at Cherry Park before transitioning into the district office as a TOSA. She then became a principal at Mill Park Elementary for four years and North Powellhurst for two years before becoming principal of Cherry Park Elementary. She has been serving the Cherry Park community for the past 11 years. This is Barker’s last school year as she is retiring.

The Coalition of School Administrators (COSA), a state organization supporting principals, superintendents, and school administrators across the state, announced the award to Barker via virtual meeting. She was nominated for the award by district Director of Education Andy Long. The nomination was reviewed by a team of elementary principals at COSA, where they decided to award Barker with the Oregon Elementary Principal of the Year award. It was then forwarded to be considered for a National Distinguished Principal at the national principles’ organization. The award ceremony will be held in June at Seaside, Oregon with another ceremony in the fall in Washington, DC.

Cherry Park achieved better results than 84% of elementary schools statewide in the 2019 school year (the last year state assessments were conducted) for academic achievement. The English Language Arts results were 16% higher than the other eight district elementary schools, the fifth graders scored 13% above state averages, and the math scores were 23% higher than other elementary schools in the district at 61%. The third-grade class exceeded state averages over 20%. The students receiving free and reduced lunch at Cherry Park were at 64%. The Average Daily and Chronic Attendance rate for the school has been ranked first in the district for 2019, a chronic rate 4% lower than the next elementary school. The chronic rate has decreased 7% in the past 11 years under Barker’s leadership.

“Kate’s 2019 DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) scores at the kindergarten level were at 95%,” said Long. “In comparison, our district average at benchmark for kindergarten was 65%. Cherry Park has reduced its student behavior referrals by 85% in the last five years. Kate’s innovation with an unwavering focus on data and equity has made it all happen. This has led to the creation of bold systems that elevate staff and set all students up for academic success and optimal social and emotional support.”

Barker single-handedly brought Urban Gleaners to her school and the district over 10 years ago. The partnership with Urban Gleaners helped families in need with weekly food distribution. They had adapted the program to work during the pandemic. Barker created a safe and efficient distribution process by coordinating with the SUN (Schools Uniting Neighborhoods) site manager and volunteers.

“I love getting to see my students grow academically, socially, and physically each day,” said Barker. “ I love working with a staff that are so dedicated to each other and to their students. I love making connections with our families and community members. Another favorite thing is making sure our families have enough to eat. As a board member of Urban Gleaners, I have been very dedicated to make sure that our families get the food they need to feed their families.”

Barker has recently published Principled: Navigating the Leadership Learning Curve. The book covers the process of becoming an effective principal with high expectations while creating a fun and loving school culture. As the former president of OESPA, she leads Let’s Talk, helping administrators receive professional learning and support statewide via online.