NHS welcomes new principal, Emily Chadwick

Nestucca Valley School District now has a new principal at the helm of Nestucca High School as Emily Chadwick began her tenure leading the school on Aug. 5.

With what the school describes as a rich background in education and administration, Chadwick reportedly brings a wealth of administrative and leadership experience, as well as an understanding of multi-tiered systems of support that create a learning environment that serves the whole child.

Chadwick comes to Nestucca from Sheridan School District, where she was the K-12 curriculum instruction and assessment specialist. She previously served as principal at Antonia Crater Elementary School in Newberg. Her resume also includes roles as a K-12 teacher at various districts, including the Oregon Trail School District, McMinnville School District, St. James School, and Yamhill Carlton School District.

She told the Sun she was drawn to the position out of her desire to “join a highly collaborative, data-driven, student-centered administrative team.”

“We can improve the future of our state and country by investing in rural schools and elevating programs and opportunities for these youth,” she shared in a Q&A with the Sun . “The Tillamook Education Consortium, which NVSD is a part of, has been collaborating to improve schools in South County for a long time. The opportunity to join the current effort to increase CTE classes for NHS students by working together with neighboring districts really appealed to me.”

“We look forward to the positive impact that Emily will undoubtedly have on our students and our South County community,” said Misty Wharton, superintendent of the Nestucca Valley School District. “Her background in larger districts and her commitment to small, rural schools make her the perfect fit for Nestucca. She will bring new ideas and energy to our school, and we are confident she will build on the strong foundation laid by Ken Richwine.”

“As someone who has taught at every level, I bring a unique understanding of the K-12 continuum to this position,”Chadwick told the Sun . “I know how the work at each level must align to graduate skilled, thoughtful citizens who are career and college-ready. I am also keenly aware that there is much that I do not know, and I believe that this, in part, fuels my quest for learning and growing both personally and professionally.”

Richwine, who served as principal from January 2017 to June 2024, is transitioning to a new role within NVSD. He will now focus on expanding the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, a growing initiative across Tillamook County. The District says Richwine’s extensive community connections and background as a teacher and administrator in the Nestucca Valley School District, as well as his experience working with the Department of Education will be invaluable as he transitions into this role.

“Ken has been instrumental in improving our school’s graduation rates, facilities, and extracurricular participation,” Wharton said. “His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic ensured that our students continued to thrive. We are grateful for his contributions and excited about his new role.”

Chadwick’s appointment also coincides with the launch of Nestucca’s new soccer program, a timely addition given her history as a collegiate soccer player and record-holder at Linfield College. School officials say her athletic background will be a tremendous asset in fostering Nestucca’s competitive 2A sports program and creating more pathways for Nestucca graduates to pursue college-level sports.

In addition to her professional credentials, Chadwick is also a mother of two. Her son is a freshman at Chapman University studying film and television production; and her daughter is a senior at Yamhill Carlton High School. Her husband is also an elementary school teacher at Sheridan School District. Her personal and professional experiences support a wellrounded, holistic approach to education and administration.

All parents, students, and community members are invited to meet Chadwick at Nestucca High School on Aug. 29 at 6 p.m. at the high school. Refreshments will be served.

“I am looking forward to connecting with students, staff, and families,” Chadwick said. “Education is people-centered work, meaning relationships are at the core of everything we do. In this first year, I plan to do a lot of listening and learning. Taking the time to get to know the people I serve will allow me to build the capacity to make changes and tackle hard things down the line. That said, the safety of students and staff is my number one priority.”

Any questions or notes for Principal Chadwick can be submitted via email to emilyc@nestucca.k12. or.us.

“Education is not just preparation for life beyond the schoolhouse door; education is life,” Chadwaick said. “Education is freedom. This year, we will welcome the class of 2028 to Nestucca High School. I will encourage them to view walking across the stage at graduation in 2028 as the starting line, not the finish line. Everything we do together in the next four years will provide them the freedom to live the life they dream of, and we will encourage them to dream the biggest dream they can imagine. Our dedicated high school staff is already hard at work developing plans to help make their dreams come true.”

Nestucca High School is a public 9-12 high school in Cloverdale with 156 students. The school offers the students a competitive 2A sports program, collegelevel class options, and career and technical education pathways. For more information, visit nestucca.k12.or.us/hs/. Nestucca Valley School District #101 located in Cloverdale and includes the communities of Beaver, Hebo, Cloverdale, Pacific City/Woods, Sandlake, and Neskowin. NVSD includes the Early Learning Center (ELC), Nestucca K-8, and Nestucca High School.There are 504 total students in the district, with a 22-1 student-to-teacher ratio at Nestucca K-8 and 17-1 at Nestucca High School. For more information, visit nestucca.k12.or.us/ do/.