((L-R) Heather Bailey and Kelly Schmidt)

Bend-La Pine Schools has selected new principals for High Desert Middle School and Cascade Middle School for the 2025-26 school year.

Heather Bailey joins Bend-La Pine Schools as the new principal of High Desert Middle School, bringing over two decades of experience in K–8 education to the new role. Heather has a strong track record of leading school improvement through student-centered, systems-based, relationship-driven leadership.

“In Heather, we found a leader who brings both the systems thinking and the heart that High Desert needs right now,” Dr. Steven Cook, superintendent of Bend-La Pine Schools, said. “Her experience in middle school leadership, focus on creating opportunities for student success, and proven ability to build structures t

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