December 24, 2025 3:05 a.m.
The Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators, a subset of Coalition of Oregon School Administrators, has named Sutherlin High School Principal Jon Martz, as the 2026 Oregon High School Principal of the year. The announcement was made last week by COSA Executive Director Dr. Krista Parent.
A COSA release said Martz was selected for his visionary yet practical leadership, his ability to build trust and coherence in complex systems and his sustained impact on student achievement, staff culture and community partnership.
COSA said during his four years as principal of Sutherlin High School, Martz has led transformative changes that strengthened the academic culture, improved key performance metrics, and built a shared sense of purpose among students and staff. Under his leadership, the school implemented grade-level Professional Learning Communities focused on instructional improvement, student data analysis and targeted intervention – creating consistent, collaborative systems across departments.
The release said these efforts have produced measurable results. Attendance, course proficiency, and on-track graduation rates have all improved, with the four-year cohort graduation rate rising to 94 percent, surpassing the district goal. Regular student attendance increased to 72.5 percent, with focal group attendance improving by 17.3 percentage points.
Sutherlin School District Director of School Improvement Janel Sorenson said, “Martz exemplifies everything we hope for in a school leader. He is a passionate educator, a systems thinker, a tireless advocate for students, and a steadfast supporter of his staff”. In her nomination letter, Sorenson also said, “Through his leadership, Sutherlin High School has become not only a stronger institution academically but also a more compassionate and connected place for young people to learn and grow”.
As the 2026 Oregon High School Principal of the Year, Martz will be honored by COSA and become eligible for the national principal of the year honor through the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
The full COSA release is linked at: https://www.cosa.k12.or.us/news/cosa-names-jon-martz-2026-oregon-high-school-principal-year