Mike Hamilton
After 39 years in education, three as the principal at Battle Ground High School, Mike Hamilton is ready to retire and spend more time with his wife and three grandchildren.
Hamilton grew up in Kalama. He started his teaching career at Tahoma High School, in 1979. He taught at Evergreen High School, in Vancouver, for 16 years. He also served as the principal at Kalama High School. Living in Yacolt for 20 years, he said working in the Battle Ground district has been the perfect fit.
“This has been the best job I’ve had in my career,” Hamilton said. “I really enjoy the relationships I have been able to develop here.”
After Hamilton’s retirement, Charbonneau Gourde will take over as principal of Battle Ground High School. For the past four years, Gourde has been the principal of Covington Middle School in the Evergreen School District. Previously, Gourde was the associate principal of Heritage High School, the dean of students at Union High School, and an English teacher at Selah Middle School and Mountain View High School.
Several leadership changes are happening in the Battle Ground School District.
Beth Beattie, current principal of Chief Umtuch Middle School, will be the new principal of Summit View High School. Beattie is replacing Andy Schoonover, who resigned after accepting the principal position at Hockinson High School.
Tamarah Grigg, current principal of Pleasant Valley Middle School, will be the new principal of Chief Umtuch Middle School. Grigg replaces Beth Beattie, who is moving to Summit View High School.
Michael Maloney, current principal of Amboy Middle School, will be the new principal of Pleasant Valley Middle School. Maloney replaces Tamarah Grigg, who is moving to Chief Umtuch Middle School.
Nick Krause, current principal of Laurin Middle School, will be the new principal of Amboy Middle School. Krause replaces Michael Maloney, who is moving to Pleasant Valley Middle School.
Matt Kesler, current associate principal of Chief Umtuch Middle School, will be the new principal of Laurin Middle School. Kessler replaces Nick Krause, who is moving to Amboy Middle School.
Antonio Lopez is taking over as principal of Glenwood Heights Primary for Ken Evans, who is retiring. Lopez is currently an assistant superintendent of school performance for Portland Public Schools.
Craig Pearson will be the new assistant principal of Pleasant Valley Primary School. Pearson served as an administrative intern at Pleasant Valley Primary and is filling a position that was left vacant a year ago by the resignation of Diane Castle.
Hamilton has advice for these new leaders.
“I encourage them to continue to develop programs where students are involved and they feel safe,” he said. “Also, keep providing opportunities for students to demonstrate the skills they have learned.”
Although these are his final weeks on campus, Hamilton remains focused on getting students ready for the end of the school year and preparing the district for the future.
“I’m trying to enjoy each moment,” Hamilton said. “I’m looking forward to graduation (June 11). It’s a huge event for our students, staff and community.”
