Innovative Educator Named Next Principal At Pacific Crest Online Academy

Pacific Crest Online Academy’s new leader brings a wealth of experience in using technology to meet the needs of students, staff and families as well as long record of leading school communities.

Paul Shaber, who most recently served as an assistant principal at Hanford High School, replaces Principal Andre Hargunani, who is leaving to pursue an opportunity outside the Tri-Cities. District leaders say Mr. Shaber is the ideal administrator for RSD’s burgeoning fully online and teacher-directed K-12 school.

“Pacific Crest has really established itself as a supportive and high-quality learning environment and Paul will work with everyone at the school to build and enhance those strengths,” says Deputy Superintendent Mike Hansen.

Mr. Shaber joined the Richland School District in July 2018 at Hanford High after a three-year stint as principal at Dayton’s secondary school. Among his administration duties at Hanford was managing technology implementation and use in the school as well as communication tools such as the school’s website. All this is augmented by his work to facilitate staff collaboration and professional development and foster relationships.

Before becoming an administrator, he worked as a math and science teacher. Mr. Shaber was recognized with local, regional and state awards and grants for innovative teaching and classroom technology and helped develop district-level reports and policy on educational technology.

“I truly believe that great leaders should inspire those around them and I’m eager to join the inspiration and innovation at Pacific Crest,” Mr. Shaber says.

Mr. Shaber holds a bachelor’s in Education and a master’s in Educational Administration from the University of Idaho.