July 26, 2023 3:30 a.m.

An assistant principal at Roseburg High School has been named the first-ever P-20 Pathways innovator.

A joint release from Roseburg Public Schools and Umpqua Community College said it is position created collaboratively to ensure clear pathways for students transitioning from education to the workforce.

Steinacher has been an assistant principal at RHS since August of 2015. He will begin his new role this fall. Steinacher will work to better align RHS’s career and technical education programs with the additional training and educational opportunities, especially those in technical trades, manufacturing and healthcare fields, offered through UCC. In addition, he will work with local industry employers to develop pathways in in-demand industries and ensure that credentials offered in the pathway have labor-market value.

Steinacher said the new role presents an exciting opportunity for students, families and the community.

RPS Superintendent Jared Cordon said, “This is a first-of-its-kind position like this for the school district and UCC and is an example of our efforts to strengthen our partnership with the college”. Cordon said, “Creating a system that supports students from their early childhoods to their early careers will increase achievement outcomes and support local employers”.

UCC President Rachel Pokrandt said, “Some post-secondary education and training is critical to securing a job with a decent wage and not all high school and community college students have the desire or resources to attend a four-year university”. Pokrandt said, “Our local employers need workers and our community loves retaining its talented youth. We believe this partnership will serve both of those goals”.

The release said the goal will be to further align and build pathways to expand opportunities for students, creating the skilled workforce needed to fill high-wage, high-demand jobs available in a variety of industries.

Contact RPS or UCC for more information on the Pathways Innovator position.