Oak Harbor Public Schools is thrilled to welcome two new faces to the district’s administration team. Patrick Harrington from Anacortes has been selected as the new Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Operations and Christina Merritt has been chosen as the new Principal of Oak Harbor Elementary School.

Harrington has served as the Principal of Anacortes Middle School for 14 years and was also the district’s Director of Safety. Previously, he worked as the Assistant Principal at Anacortes Middle School from 2003-08, his first stint in administration work.  A longtime educator and coach, Harrington has teaching experience in the Mukilteo, Spokane, and Freeman School Districts. 

He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Early Education from Eastern Washington University and a Master's Degree in School Administration from Heritage College. During his time of administration, Harrington was not only responsible for hiring, managing, and evaluating a wide array of staff members, but also emphasized implementing personal development training, engaging in personal growth, and focusing on leading equity work.

Patrick Harrington replaces current Assistant Superintendent, Kurt Schonberg, who will be retiring at the end of the school year.  

Christina Merritt is the current Dean of Students at Hillside Elementary in Clover Park School District at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Lewis Main, Washington. She’s spent 18 years in the district serving as a classroom elementary school teacher, principal intern, National Board cohort facilitator and mentor, and site coordinator for summer schooling. In her current role as Dean of Students, she is leading her school by using the guidance of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) which is a system also adopted by Oak Harbor Public Schools. She believes the core values of hard work, honesty, and strong relationships drive her work.

Merritt was nominated for Certificated staff member of the year in 2014 and nominated for the President's Award for Excellence in mathematics and science teaching in 2020. Her education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Educational Administration, both from Western Washington University. She also holds a National Board Certification and completed a Residency Principal Certification from WWU.

Merritt replaces longtime OHE Principal, Dorothy Day who will retire at the end of the school year.