Wa-Hi Principal Finalists

Finalists named for Walla Walla High School Principal position

Walla Walla Public Schools announces Robert Ahrens and John Schumacher have been named finalists for the Walla Walla High School Principal position. Parents, staff, community members and students are encouraged to meet the candidates Tuesday, Feb. 22 from 4 to 5 p.m. during public meet and greet sessions at the Walla Walla High School Commons. Attendees are asked to complete candidate feedback cards and be present for both candidate sessions (translation services will be available).

John Schumacher is in his sixth year as Assistant Principal at Glacier Middle School in the White River School District, a one-thousand student campus in Buckley, WA. He also has over 10 years of experience as a high school advanced math and AP statistics teacher. He began teaching at South Medford High School and has also taught at Sherwood High School, Washington High School and White River. Schumacher has coached high school football for 17 years and is currently the Assistant Varsity football coach for White River High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics from Eastern Oregon University, a Master of Science and Math Education from Oregon State University and an Administrative Certificate from Concordia University.

Robert “Rob” Ahrens currently serves as the Assistant Principal at Pioneer Middle School. Prior to that he spent 19 years as a Science teacher at Walla Walla High School. Ahrens also served four years as Science and Math teacher at Sunnyside High School. He holds a National Board Certification in science, received the WWPS Staff Achievement award in 2009 and earned the WSU Educator of Excellence honor in 2006. Ahrens received his Bachelor of Arts in Education from Eastern Washington University, a Master of Education in Professional Development from Heritage University and a Principal Certification from WSU Tri-Cities.

Meet and Greet Sessions (Tuesday, Feb. 22 - Location: Walla Walla High School Commons):
• 4 to 4:30 p.m. Candidate John Schumacher
• 4:30 to 5 p.m. Candidate Robert Ahrens

Current Principal Ron Higgins is retiring following a 37 year career with the school district. The new principal will report July 1, 2022.