February 13, 2026 3:40 a.m. 

Earlier this week, the Sutherlin School District Board of Directors voted to appoint Jon Martz as the district’s next superintendent, effective July 1st, following a search led by McPherson & Jacobson LLC.

A district release said Martz currently serves as principal of Sutherlin High School, a position he has held since 2021. He previously served as principal of the district’s middle school and Sutherlin Virtual Online Academy. Earlier in his career, Martz was an athletic director, assistant principal, and principal in the Winston-Dillard School District from 2013 to 2016. Martz also taught in the Sutherlin School District from 2008 to 2013.

Martz earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Oregon State University, as well as a master’s degree from George Fox University.

Martz was named the 2026 Oregon Principal of the Year by the Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators, recognizing his leadership in improving academic outcomes, strengthening school culture and fostering shared purpose among students and staff.

Martz said, “Being selected as the next Superintendent of Sutherlin Schools is both an incredible honor and a deeply meaningful milestone in my career”. Martz said, “This district is not just the place where I have served as a teacher and administrator, it is the community that shaped me as an educator, as a leader and as a person. To now be entrusted with leading the district I have long called home is profoundly humbling”.

Sutherlin School District serves nearly 1,300 students. District data shows that approximately 90 percent of students earning at least one-quarter of their graduation credits during ninth grade are on track to graduate.

Two finalists were selected following an initial screen process of twenty applicants. District staff has the opportunity to meet the final candidates. Formal interviews were conducted on February 4th.

Martz will succeed Terri Prestianni upon his retirement.