Onalaska Elementary Staff, Students and Community:

I am very excited to begin my new post with Onalaska Elementary School!

My leadership style is one that integrates love, dedication, and flexibility.  I have a love for children, working with them and their families.  I have a dedication to lifelong learning and instilling that in all those around me, and the ability to adapt and improvise to make the best out of any situation.  

I have been provided a bevy of experiences in dealing with different county, tribal, state, and federal agencies.  Through my experiences, I have helped to create a positive rapport among staff, parents, Board of Trustees, and the community.  I have worked with all stakeholders on projects to enhance the educational experience.  

I grew up in a small town in eastern Montana, and I am from a family of educators.  My grandmother was a 1st grade teacher for 30 years, my dad was a teacher, coach, and administrator for 27 years, and I have been a teacher, coach, and administrator for the past 31 years.  My wife is also a teacher.  We moved to Mossyrock in 2021.  We live above Mayfield Lake and we very much enjoy the outdoor activities that living in east Lewis County provides.  

I did both my undergraduate and graduate work at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana.  I have taught K-12 P.E./Health and 7-12 Mathematics. I have coached baseball, football, basketball (boys and girls), and track & field (boys and girls).  I have also served four districts as a District Superintendent and two districts as Principal, one as a 7-12 principal and the other as a K-12 principal.  My most recent experience was as the Superintendent of Mossyrock School District, here in Washington for the past two years.  

Communication is of utmost importance.  I believe that communication is what allows us to authentically work together to provide the best educational experience we can for our students.  

The base we set for each student, in reading and math, will set the tone for their educational future.  Educators must work together with parents, students, Boards of Trustees, administrators, and community members to improve delivery of materials and to create an environment which allows education to become a self-actualizing experience for all involved.

In closing, I very much look forward to working with the outstanding educators, wonderful students, and caring, involved parents here in Onalaska.  Please contact the Onalaska elementary office with any questions or concerns you may have.  And please, feel free to give me a call or stop by the elementary school office and say hi!  

Sincerely,

Larry L. Markuson