Sutherlin School District Selects Next Superintendent
Sutherlin School District has appointed Sutherlin High School Principal Jon Martz as superintendent starting July 1. The school board approved the hire after a search process. Martz will replace retiring superintendent Terry Prestianni and lead a district serving about 1,300 students.
SUTHERLIN, Ore. — The Sutherlin School Board of Directors has selected Jon Martz as the district’s next superintendent, with the appointment set to take effect July 1.
Board members voted to approve the hire during a Feb. 9 meeting following a superintendent search conducted with assistance from McPherson & Jacobson, LLC. Martz currently serves as principal of Sutherlin High School, a role he has held since 2021.
Before becoming high school principal, Martz led the district’s middle school and Sutherlin Virtual Online Academy. He previously worked in the Winston-Dillard School District from 2013 to 2016 as an athletic director, assistant principal and principal. Earlier in his career, he taught in the Sutherlin School District from 2008 to 2013.
Martz holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Oregon State University and a master’s degree from George Fox University.
District information states Martz was recently named the 2026 Oregon Principal of the Year by the Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators, an award that recognizes school leadership and student outcomes. During his time at Sutherlin High School, district officials report improvements in academic performance and graduation metrics.
The district serves about 1,300 students. District data show that roughly 90 percent of students who earn at least one quarter of their graduation credits during ninth grade remain on track to graduate.
According to district information, Martz has emphasized student engagement through activities, athletics and career and technical education programs in areas such as agriculture and health care. He has also focused on building connections with families and community partners.
The superintendent selection process included an initial pool of 20 applicants. Two finalists were identified, and district staff had opportunities to meet with candidates before formal interviews were conducted Feb. 4.
Martz will succeed Superintendent Terry Prestianni, who is retiring. He is scheduled to begin in the new role July 1.
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