New Green Park Team

Cesar Hernandez named new principal for Green Park Elementary; Amy Ford promoted to assistant principal

Walla Walla Public Schools announces Cesar Hernandez has been named the new principal for Green Park Elementary School. Hernandez is currently the Assistant Principal at Green Park Elementary. The principal selection process was extensive, including 15 staff, parent, and school board representatives serving on the interview and walkthrough teams. The interview team spent four hours carefully reviewing the feedback staff provided on the principal input survey, participating in two comprehensive interview processes, and carefully deliberating between the two finalists. Also, approximately 50 participants attended “Meet and Greet” sessions to provide feedback into this important decision.

“Mr. Hernandez maintains a deep understanding of the dual program, the Green Park community, and is a shining example of our “grow your own" efforts,” said Superintendent Dr. Wade Smith. “Born in Walla Walla, he is a former Green Park Elementary, Garrison Middle School and Walla Walla High School student and graduate. He started his career with the district 10 years ago as a paraprofessional, then became a dual language teacher, and now serves as an assistant principal with two years under his belt at Green Park.”

Hernandez received an Associates of Art’s degree from Walla Walla Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree from Washington State University and a Master’s in Education and administrative credential from Eastern Washington University.

“Being asked to serve as the next Green Park Principal is a dream come true,” said Hernandez. “I look forward to providing the best education possible for all our students, supporting our outstanding staff and engaging with our community. This is where my heart is and I want to thank the staff and community for their support.”

Amy Ford, the other finalist for the Green Park Principal position, has been promoted to replace Hernandez as Assistant Principal at Green Park Elementary.

“With Cesar's appointment to principal, that left us with an opening for assistant principal,” said Dr. Smith. “It became clear throughout the interview process that the two of them together would be an outstanding leadership pair for our Green Park community.”

Ford is currently the Director of Walla Walla Online. She began her career in Walla Walla Public Schools 19 years ago as a teacher at Berney Elementary. She later relocated to Edison Elementary where she taught 4th grade and was the LAP/Title Assessment Specialist. Ford graduated from McLoughlin High School in Milton Freewater. She went on to earn an undergraduate degree in Communications and a Master’s in Education from Portland State University. She is currently enrolled in the Principal Certification Program through Eastern Washington University.

“I am so excited to be returning to my elementary roots and joining Green Park's staff as the assistant principal next year,” said Ford. “I look forward to joining the Panther family and working together with Mr. Hernandez to support the students, staff and families who make Green Park a special place in our Walla Walla community.”

Current Principal Rick Kline is retiring at the end of the school year. Hernandez and Ford will report July 1, 2022.