O’Konek selected as new principal for Richland’s Jefferson Elementary

Richland School District announced Tuesday that Derek O’Konek will take over as principal of Jefferson Elementary.

O’Konek was most recently the assistant principal at Jason Lee Elementary.

“Mr. O’Konek has a reputation for great leadership and at building relationships with students and staff,” says Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Brian Moore. “We are excited to have him serve the Jefferson community, support staff and help students grow.”

O’Konek came to the Richland School District 2013 after working as an elementary teacher and administration intern in with Moses Lake School District.

He is credited with helping to implement various community-oriented programs at Jason Lee, and improving student academic performance.

The Central Washington University grad also served as assistant principal at Badger Mountain Elementary and Enterprise Middle School.

“I’m thrilled to become part of a school that has such dedicated staff and families that has long put students first,” O’Konek said. “I look forward to working with everyone at Jefferson to ensure each student is poised to be successful.”

O’Konek replaces Principal Bobbi Buttars, who recently accepted a position in a different school district.