Go Olys! The Next Chapter for our Sprague High School Community

On June 26, Salem-Keizer Public Schools announced the transition of several district principals to serve students across the district. This transition in leadership creates a vacancy at Roberts and Early College high schools, which will be filled by current Sprague High School Principal Chad Barkes.

With the departure of Principal Barkes, we are excited to announce the next leader of Sprague High School, Patrick Dutcher.

Below, Principal Barkes shares a message with our Sprague Community about the transition:

Dear Sprague Students and Families,

I wanted to share an important update about a transition in our school leadership.

First, over the last several months, our district has been going through the thorough process of identifying a new principal for several schools in our district. This process has led to the opportunity for me to step in to lead as Principal at Early College and Roberts High Schools. Although I am going to miss this incredible school community, I am excited to continue to serve our Salem-Keizer students through the growth and opportunity within our alternative education programs.

I am equally excited to share that the district has also identified the next principal of Sprague High School, Patrick Dutcher, and I know you will be in excellent hands under his leadership.

Patrick Dutcher is an experienced high school leader with more than two decades of service in public education and the past 11 as a high school administrator. His career has included serving as the principal of both Scio High School and Pendleton High School, where he has led for the past five years. He has also served as a curriculum assistant principal at West Salem High School, a special education teacher, and a coach. These experiences have shaped his belief that strong schools are built through relationships, clear expectations, teamwork, and a relentless focus on students.

Patrick joins the Sprague leadership team after championing academic growth and driving graduation rates in his previous role. Known for his approachable, student-centered leadership, he excels at building deeply connected school cultures where students, staff, and families thrive together. As he steps into this new role, his proven commitment to fostering support and community promises an incredibly bright and inspiring future for each and every Oly.

While I will miss the students, staff and families I have grown to know during my past 11 years as an Oly, I am grateful for the opportunity to share what I have learned here with a new school community. I hope you will join me in welcoming Principal Dutcher to our school and supporting them as you have me through the years.

I know Principal Dutcher is excited to connect with you all as we begin welcoming students and families back for a fantastic 2026-27 school year. I’ll be cheering you all on from afar.

Thank you,
Principal Barkes

Principal Dutcher will begin working with the Sprague Administrative team this summer and looks forward to welcoming all students and families back for an incredible 2026-27 school year in the fall.