FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 11, 2026
Media contact:
Kelly Wright, Executive Secretary kelly.wright@sutherlin.k12.or.us
541-459-2668 3602
Sutherlin School District Names Jon Martz as Incoming Superintendent
SUTHERLIN, Ore. — On Monday, Feb. 9th, Sutherlin School Board of Directors voted to appoint Jon Martz as the district’s next superintendent, effective July 1, following a search led by McPherson & Jacobson, LLC.
Martz currently serves as principal of Sutherlin High School, a position he has held since 2021. He previously served as principal of the district’s middle school and Sutherlin Virtual Online Academy. Earlier in his career, Martz was an athletic director, assistant principal, and principal in Winston-Dillard School District from 2013 to 2016 and taught in the Sutherlin School District from 2008 to 2013.
Martz earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Oregon State University, as well as a master’s degree from George Fox University.
Additionally, Martz was named the 2026 Oregon Principal of the Year by the Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators, recognizing his leadership in improving academic outcomes, strengthening school culture and fostering shared purpose among students and staff.
“Being selected as the next Superintendent of Sutherlin Schools is both an incredible honor and a deeply meaningful milestone in my career,” said Jon Martz. “This district is not just the place where I have served as a teacher and administrator; it is the community that shaped me as an educator, as a leader, and as a person. To now be entrusted with leading the district I have long called home is profoundly humbling.
Having served in Sutherlin classrooms and in district leadership, I have seen firsthand the dedication, resilience, and heart that define our students, staff and families. I know the hopes our community carries for its children because I have shared those hopes in every role I’ve held. I also understand the challenges we face, not as abstract issues, but as real experiences that I have walked through alongside our educators and families.
Leading a district where I have grown, contributed and built relationships means leading with both historical understanding and renewed vision. It means honoring the people and traditions that have brought Sutherlin to where it is today, while also championing innovation, equity and opportunities that will shape where we go next. It means making decisions rooted not only in data and strategy, but in deep personal investment.
Most of all, it means serving with gratitude. Gratitude for the trust placed in me, gratitude for the colleagues who have walked this journey with me, and gratitude for the responsibility to help guide a future where every Sutherlin student has the tools, support and inspiration to thrive.
I am excited for the work ahead, and I am committed to leading with transparency, collaboration and an unwavering belief in the potential of our community and its children.”
Under Martz’s leadership, Sutherlin High School has seen improvements in academic metrics and graduation outcomes. He has emphasized student engagement through clubs, athletics and future-focused learning opportunities through Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathways in agriculture, healthcare and other career areas. Martz has also focused on building strong connections with families and community partners.
Sutherlin School District serves nearly 1,300 students. District data show that approximately 90 percent of students earning at least one-quarter of their graduation credits during ninth grade are on track to graduate.
Two finalists were selected following an initial screening process of 20 applicants. District staff had the opportunity to meet the final candidates, and formal interviews were conducted Feb. 4th.