Wendy McCulloch, assistant principal at High Desert Middle School, will become the school’s new principal starting July 1.

Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Shay Mikalson announced the move Friday, noting McCulloch’s strong, collaborative leadership style.

“As assistant principal, Wendy has continued to build upon the outstanding, accepting culture at High Desert where students learn to develop personal integrity in an academically rigorous environment,” Mikalson said in a press release. “She will continue to deepen and strengthen the sense of community at High Desert, while collaborating with staff, parents and students.”

McCulloch served for five years as assistant principal. Before that, she was a teacher for 12 years with a background in special education.