Tigard-Tualatin School District (TTSD) Director of Secondary Amber Fields announced today that Melissa Baran will be the new principal at Tigard High School (THS). Baran assumes the role on July 1, 2023, replacing current Principal Brian Bailey, who will move into a Human Resources position within the District office.
“Students, staff, families, and community members voiced their desires for a leader who sets a clear vision, champions equity and inclusion, communicates transparently, prioritizes students’ voices, and builds strong connections,” said Director Fields. “Melissa Baran embodies these qualities with heart and soul. She brings extensive experience as a former high school teacher, instructional leader, and principal. We are excited to witness her transformative leadership.”
Melissa brings 18 years of experience in education, serving districts in the Portland-Metro area. She joined TTSD in 2021 as the associate director for Teaching & Learning, coming from the Sherwood School District, where she served as the principal at Sherwood High School. This past school year, Melissa served as the associate principal at THS. Her previous roles include teacher, director, and administrator for Beaverton and Parkrose School Districts.
“I have had the privilege of being a recipient of so many positive benefits of a strong education system, and thinking about leading a high school within TTSD is both inspiring and humbling,” said Baran. “I am a first-generation college attender and graduate who has personal experience that speaks to the power of education. I believe that it is the great equalizer; the system that has the power to change the world. I want to be a change agent who impacts as many students as possible, and I see this role in TTSD as an opportunity to do so.”
Baran earned her BA in English and MA in Teaching from Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Oregon, and her Initial Administrator Licensure and Professional Administrator Licensure from Concordia University in Portland.
