Breaking: Pendleton High School Principal Dutcher resigns  – East Oregonian

Breaking: Pendleton High School Principal Dutcher resigns 

Published 9:20 pm Friday, June 26, 2026

PENDLETON — Pendleton High School Principal Patrick Dutcher is leaving his job.

“It is with a full heart and a great deal of emotion that I share with you that I will be resigning my position as Principal of Pendleton High School effective July 1,” Dutcher announced the morning of Friday, June 26, on ParentSquare, the Pendleton School District’s communication app.

He said he is taking the job as lead principal at his alma mater, Sprague High School in the Salem-Keizer School District.

“Even with this opportunity ahead,” according to Dutcher, “leaving Pendleton High School is incredibly hard.”

Soon after Dutcher’s message, school district Superintendent Michelle Jensen on ParentSquare confirmed Dutcher accepted a new leadership position.

“While we are saddened to see him leave, we also are excited for him and his family as they begin this next chapter,” Jensen posted.

She also said Dutcher “worked diligently to strengthen systems, foster a culture centered on Buckaroo Pride, and support the continued growth and success of Pendleton High School.”

Dutcher in the message said the five years as PHS principal has been the best of his administrative career and an honor, and he gave credit to the students, staff, families and community for their support of the school.

“I have always believed that the goal is to leave a place better than you found it,” Dutcher’s message continued. “I can say with confidence that we did that together.”

Jensen also explained the district was moving to hire a new principal and in the next 10 days will recruit candidates with July 13 as the tentative date for the first round of interviews. A second round will follow mid-week, and by the end of that week the district aims to announce Pendleton High School’s next principal.