Forest Grove names incoming high‑school principal and highlights three RAMP‑recognized counseling programs

Forest Grove School District on April 28 introduced Doctor Doyle Holzman as the incoming principal at Duality Plains High School and used a work session to spotlight expansive gains in school counseling across the district.

“It is my absolute pleasure to introduce Doctor Doyle Holzman, as our new principal for Duality Plains High School,” Superintendent Dr. West said, noting Holzman will begin July 1. The new principal told the board he was “thrilled to be here.” The board said Holzman will succeed Tim Graham, the retiring principal.

The meeting also highlighted the district’s counseling programs: Dr. West pointed out that in 2026 only four Oregon schools held RAMP recognition and that Forest Grove has three of those four, a distinction the superintendent called “pretty remarkable.” Counselors and the district behavioral‑health coordinator described RAMP as a rigorous, multi‑year certification process focused on data‑driven, comprehensive school counseling.

“Kelsey Call, a school counselor at Neil Armstrong Middle School, told the board, “RAMP is an acronym and it stands for Recognized ASCA Model Program,” and explained the designation requires extensive data collection and evidence that counseling is tied to student outcomes. Presenters said the RAMP framework helps target interventions for underrepresented students, improve attendance and behavior, and give staff and families clearer information about supports available in each building.

Counselors described local partnerships that support students: Joseph Gale cited connections with the city parks and Pacific University; other schools noted library tutoring collaborations and ties to regional sports and career pathway programs that provide experiential opportunities for students. Board members suggested ways to increase community visibility for those classroom successes, including sharing videos or hosting student work in public venues.

Looking ahead, the district said Dilley Elementary is in its data‑collection year and anticipates applying for RAMP in October 2026; Cornelius and Echo Shaw elementaries are scheduled to begin data collection the following year. The board invited the public to upcoming meetings, including a budget meeting on May 30, where district leaders said they will continue to present program outcomes and invite community input.