Ephrata schools see recent administrative changes

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District announced this week that Aaron Cummings will serve as principal at Parkway Intermediate School beginning July 1.

He will succeed departing Parkway principal Kim Gilreath, who has accepted a principal position in another school district closer to her home.

Cummings has more than 30 years’ experience with Ephrata schools, most recently serving as assistant superintendent. He has previously served as Parkway’s principal as well as a teacher, assistant principal and principal at Ephrata High School.

“Aaron knows our schools, our students and he knows this community,” school district superintendent Ken Murray said in a press statement. “His experience, relationships and understanding of what makes this school special make him the right person to lead Parkway forward. We are fortunate to have someone with his level of commitment stepping into this role.”

With the transition, the district does not intend to continue the assistant superintendent position. Its associated responsibilities will instead be reassigned to other administrative leadership, the district said.

As principal, Cummings will “focus on supporting staff, strengthening student learning and building on the strong foundation already in place at Parkway,” the press release said. “His appointment reflects the district’s continued commitment to placing experienced leaders where they can make the greatest impact for students.”

In other personnel moves ...

The district earlier this month announced the hiring of Chris Franklin as the new Career and Technical Education director for Ephrata schools.

Franklin also has more than 30 years’ experience in education, most recently as assistant principal at South Kitsap High School in Port Orchard. His background includes other work as a teacher, athletic director, district CTE director and adjunct professor. 

“Chris brings a deep, practical understanding of Career and Technical Education and how it prepares students for life after high school,” said Murray. “He has a strong record of building high-quality programs, supporting staff and forming partnerships with local industry. That experience will help us continue expanding meaningful opportunities and career pathways for students across Ephrata.  We’re excited to welcome him to our district." 

“I’m a relationship-driven educator, and I’m looking forward to building strong connections with students, staff, families and local industry as we work together to serve this community,” said Franklin. 

Franklin holds a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine, physical education and K-12 education from Whitworth University and a master’s degree in education from the University of Washington. He has also served on statewide advisory committees and professional organizations focused on strengthening CTE programs across Washington. 

He will replace Sarah Vasquez, who had served as Ephrata’s CTE education and technology director since 2018. During her tenure in those roles, she was credited with strengthening programs at both the high school and middle school levels.

Vasquez will continue serving the district in a leadership role overseeing technology and communications. In part, that will include community relations previously handled by Sarah Morford, who is leaving the district effective June 30. 

Another administrative change was announced in May with the selection of Wyoming educator Christopher Jensen as the new principal at Columbia Ridge Elementary School. Jensen replaces Karla Williams, who will return to the classroom as a fourth-grade teacher at Grant Elementary in the 2026-27 school year.