Yelm district announces hire of new Mill Pond principal

Yelm Community Schools has hired Rebecca Fowler to be the next principal at Mill Pond Elementary School. Fowler will replace Jeri Lipe, who intends to retire at the end of June. Fowler will take over the role beginning in the 2024-25 school year.

Fowler, known within the district as “Becki,” has spent the past 10 years with the district as a special education teacher, interim assistant principal and, most recently, as Mill Pond’s assistant principal. Lipe spent 18 years as a principal within the district, leading Lackamas Elementary School before taking over Mill Pond.

“Her leadership will be missed, but we wish Jeri all the best in retirement,” YCS Communications Director Teri Melone said in a release to district staff. “Becki has demonstrated a strong commitment to our district and has developed a connection with staff and students at Mill Pond.”