BY KAREN BOSSICK

An Alturas Elementary teacher has been appointed interim principal of Carey School for the 2025-26 school year.

Melanie Blacker has spent the past nine years teaching at Alturas Elementary; she started as a para-professional at Bellevue Elementary.

She holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Northwest Nazarene University and a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Utah.  And she is a member of the district’s Guiding Coalition and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Team.

Blacker impressed district leadership with her relational leadership style and passion for fostering a high-achieving school culture. Her instructional vision and commitment to student success distinguished her as a top candidate.

“Melanie leads with a student-first approach,” said Assistant Superintendent Adam Johnson. “Her focus on growth, along with her strong track record within our district, makes her the ideal choice for this interim role. We’re confident that, under her leadership, Carey School will continue to be a place where every student is seen, challenged, and supported.”