New Buckingham Elementary principal selected
Mar 21,2008 00:00 by Bend_Weekly_News_Sources
BEND, Ore. -- After a comprehensive search, the Buckingham Bronco’s will have a new principal when students return to school this fall – Skip Offenhauser.

 
Skip Offenhauser will be the new principal of Buckingham Elementary school - submitted photo 
“Buckingham has a wonderful reputation,” said Offenhauser, “I have heard nothing but positive things about the school, the staff, and the students. I am looking forward to joining the team and learning more about the entire Buckingham community.”

Offenhauser, comes to Buckingham Elementary School from nearby Redmond, Oregon, where he has more than five years experience in school administration and instructional technology.

“This past year (working in instructional technology) has been a rewarding experience and has allowed me to grow professionally but there is no replacement for being in a school,” he said. “I am looking forward to returning to a school - I love working with kids and seeing them learn and grow.”

During his 16-year career, Offenhauser found himself working in diverse school districts from San Diego to Beaverton to Redmond. He says that he was attracted to the Bend-La Pine Schools, and Buckingham Elementary School, due to reputation of staff and students and his own experiences with Bend-La Pine Schools.

“The quality of education that my own kids are receiving at Bend-La Pine Schools is wonderful” he said. “And, from an educator standpoint, I couldn’t be happier to be part of that dynamic teaching team. I think the leadership and direction of the district is very positive. ”

“As a principal, I believe I am an advocate for my students and our teachers and it is my job to provide them with the resources and guidance they need to be successful in all their endeavors,” he adds. “I like being there for them.”

Offenhauser will begin work at Buckingham Elementary on July 1. On the same date, current Buckingham Elementary School principal Teresa Hjeresen will begin her new leadership role as principal at Ponderosa Elementary School.  Construction of the new, northeast Bend elementary school, Ponderosa Elementary, is underway thanks to the community support of the 2006 school bond.

Offenhauser has a Masters in Education from George Fox University and a Bachelor in Speech Communication from San Diego State University.