Madeline Koenig is the new principal at Greenwood Elementary School in La Grande. Koenig says she is committed to seeking opportunities to expand access and opportunity for Greenwood students.

LA GRANDE — Greenwood Elementary School has a new principal, Madeline Koenig.

Koenig, who spent four years as a regional administrator with the InterMountain Education Service District, working with 21 school districts across Eastern Oregon, said she is excited to take the reins as principal. The school has a population of just under 300 pupils.

“Having a daily impact on education is where I want to be at this point in my career,” Koenig said.

Koenig grew up in Wallowa County and attended the Enterprise School District through 12th grade. She earned postsecondary degrees at Western Oregon University, Eastern Oregon University and Lewis & Clark College.

Along the way she fell in love with elementary education, specifically teaching early literacy, she said.

Immediate goals for her leadership at Greenwood include sharpening attendance and literacy, building relationships and retaining staff. She said she would put an emphasis on mentorship and collaboration.

In addition to an administrative role, Koenig has served as an elementary educator in the La Grande School District. She assisted with the launch and implementation of a virtual learning school during the pandemic. She led a small team in developing the virtual program from scratch; the skills and knowledge she gained in that project will translate to her new role at Greenwood, she said.  and is confident these skills are portable to the position of principal. It was here where she gained a deep knowledge of student information systems, state accountability and reporting requirements and curriculum adoption.

La Grande Superintendent George Mendoza welcomed Koenig back to the district.

“I am personally delighted to welcome Madi back to our team,” Mendoza said in a press release. “She has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and a profound commitment to supporting students, staff and families.”

Koenig also has two elementary-age children of her own; the family of four lives at their Summerville farm and ranch.

“My hope is to continue to seek opportunities to expand access and opportunity for Greenwood students,” Koenig said. “I am really looking forward to being back a part of the Greenwood family and serving our community in this new role.”

The vacancy at Greenwood opened when the school’s former principal, Jennifer Melendez, accepted a position in the Prairie City School District.