On April 14, 2026, the South Coast Education Service District (SCESD) Board of Directors announced that Bart Hawkins was selected to serve as the organization’s next superintendent. Mr. Hawkins will assume his role as superintendent on July 1st. He will also participate in various scheduled introductions, meetings, and transition activities this spring.

Mr. Hawkins has been in education for over 20 years as a teacher, coach, and leader. Most recently, Mr. Hawkins served as the Principal of Riverdale High School in Portland, Oregon, where he successfully led the school through the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme authorization process. Under his leadership, Riverdale saw marked improvements in school culture and climate, driven by a steadfast commitment to equity and inclusion.

Prior to his time in Oregon, Mr. Hawkins spent a decade as a District Superintendent in rural Montana. His leadership extended beyond his home district, as he served on the boards of various special education and curriculum cooperatives and education service regions. His peers recognized his impact by twice selecting him as the Regional Superintendent of the Year (2017 and 2021) and electing him President of the Hi-Line Region Montana Association of School Superintendents (MASS).

Mr. Hawkins’ leadership philosophy is centered on the core belief in the equity and integrity of every individual. Throughout his career, he has specialized in creating robust, supportive systems that ensure all learners have the resources to succeed. As he steps into his role at South Coast ESD, Mr. Hawkins is focused on fostering deep regional relationships and building collaborative systems that serve the diverse needs of the South Coast’s partner school districts.

Though he has spent the last five years in the Portland area, Mr. Hawkins remains deeply connected to his roots in small-town Montana. He holds a lifelong appreciation for farming, ranching, and the outdoors, and is eager to embrace the rugged beauty and community spirit of the Oregon Coast. In his personal time, Bart enjoys exploring the coastline with his wife and three daughters, reading, cooking, and traveling.

"I am honored to join the SCESD team,” said Mr. Hawkins. “I look forward to building the strong, collaborative partnerships necessary to ensure every student and school district in our region has the support they need to thrive."

Current SCESD Superintendent Paul Peterson will work closely with Mr. Hawkins to ensure a seamless leadership transition over the next several months.