Salem, Oregon – The Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) and the Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA) are proud to announce that Randy Dalton, Principal of Molalla River Middle School, has been named the 2025 Middle School Principal of the Year. This award recognizes Dalton’s exceptional leadership and his transformative impact on student achievement, community engagement, and school culture.

Since becoming principal in 2017, Dalton has fostered a collaborative environment that prioritizes student voice, community involvement, and a commitment to serving all students well. Under his leadership, Molalla River Middle School has achieved remarkable outcomes, including a 61% decrease in disciplinary referrals and substantial gains in academic achievement.

Dalton’s innovative approach includes initiatives such as programs like Watch D.O.G.S. and Watch M.O.M.S., which have successfully increased parental involvement during a critical stage in students’ lives. His efforts have also extended to leveraging hands-on learning opportunities, such as collaborative construction projects and student-led media initiatives like Wolverine TV, which showcase the school’s vibrant culture.

Dalton’s leadership extends beyond daily school operations. He played a pivotal role in advocating for the replacement of Molalla River Middle School’s 70-year-old building. By capturing and sharing compelling evidence of the building’s urgent needs, Dalton built community support that led to the successful passage of the district’s first bond for school improvements in over three decades. His innovative, professional, and composed leadership continues to inspire the Molalla community, setting a standard of excellence for middle school education across Oregon.

Dalton will be formally honored at the annual Seaside Conference in June 2025, where colleagues will celebrate his outstanding contributions to education and his community. He will also be nominated for the National Middle School Principal of the Year.