Dr. Hess is a visionary and results-oriented leader specializing in building the capacity of others to achieve significant improvements for students. His extensive experience includes nine years as a superintendent, ten years in district office roles, eight years as a principal, and ten years as a teacher. He possesses a strong track record of success in enhancing graduation rates, attendance, student achievement, and improving climate and culture.
His areas of deep expertise encompass school and district improvement, educational reform, data analysis, process and crisis management, facility enhancement, foundation development, state and systems improvement, and community engagement.
As superintendent for Lebanon schools, Dr. Hess was responsible for the success of 4,100 students across eight schools. He implemented a collaborative community vision process to establish the district's vision, mission, and strategic plan through various community events. During his tenure, the district consistently saw gains in reading and math achievement. He also implemented AVID district-wide to foster college and career readiness and provided mentorship and coaching to all principals. Dr. Hess developed and led data analysis workshops to improve data fluency throughout the district and has experience in human resource administration.
In 2018, Dr. Hess founded Breakthrough Consulting, LLC, a network focused on supporting schools and districts in achieving breakthrough improvement results. He created the Priority Leadership G.R.O.W. coaching program, including its assessment tool, to support superintendents, principals, and teacher leaders. His company also designs teacher and principal evaluation and support tools. The firm's specialties include Executive Searches, Community Engagement, Strategic Planning, and Evaluation Systems.
Dr. Hess has shared his expertise as an instructor at the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Willamette University, and Lewis & Clark College, teaching courses on teacher leadership, professional development for administrators, school improvement planning, data analysis, priority leadership, research for education, and teacher/principal evaluation, among other subjects.
He is the author or co-author of four books on educational reform, school improvement, and leadership and frequently contracts with districts and educational organizations for presentations and professional development. Dr. Hess has developed interactive one-day workshops on topics such as Advanced Data Toolkit, The 5 Talents and 5 Skills of Exceptional Teachers, Priority Leadership, and Goal Setting. His Mt. Everest Keynote address guides leaders on achieving extraordinary results in their professional and personal lives.
Having been a proud resident of Linn County for over three decades, since 1991, the opportunity to become a part of the Central Linn School District fills me with immense excitement and anticipation. I am genuinely thrilled to immerse myself in the unique character of this small rural district and look forward to building strong relationships with the individuals who form its vibrant core: the dedicated community members, the involved parents, the enthusiastic students, and the committed staff. Over the coming year, I am eager to listen, learn, and contribute to the continued success and well-being of the Central Linn School District. My long-standing connection to the area has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the values and aspirations of this community, and I am confident that my involvement will be both rewarding and impactful.