Administration

Superintendent

Darla Waite-Larkin began leading the district on July 1, 2026.

Waite-Larkin has more than 30 years of experience in rural education. Her background includes leadership as both an elementary and middle school principal, along with central office experience and expertise in special education, English language development, and instructional systems. She has also contributed to strategic planning, district visioning, contract negotiations, and instructional improvement initiatives. Passionate about public education and student success, Waite-Larkin emphasizes integrity, collaboration and a student-centered approach, and is committed to serving as an advocate for every learner in the Vernonia School District.

Waite-Larkin holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northwest Nazarene University and a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies from Eastern Oregon University.

Vernonia Middle School and Vernonia High School Principal

Mr. Underwood has been an administrator in the Vernonia School District since 2003-04. A 1991 graduate of Linfield College and a 2002 graduate of Portland State University, he spent 10 years teaching in Klamath Falls, Portland, and Tigard. He has been the high school principal since the 2006-07 school year. During the 2010-11 school year, his job description was expanded to include administrative duties at the middle school level.

"There are a wide variety of ways to get involved. The more connected a student is to their school, the more likely it is that they will achieve at the highest level. Students can and will rise to the expectations placed upon them. We will hold ourselves accountable, hold your students accountable for their learning, and hope that you will do your part to ensure your student will maximize their potential."

Vernonia Elementary School and Mist Elementary School Principal

Mrs. Eagleson is the Principal at Vernonia Elementary School and Mist Grade School. She was hired by the district in 1994 as a 1st/2nd grade teacher. Throughout her career in Vernonia she has been a K-3 Classroom Teacher, Instructional Coach, Title 1 Teacher, and the Elementary Vice Principal.

She received her Bachelor of Science (1993) and Master of Arts in Teaching (1994) from Oregon State University and her Administrative License (2017) from Concordia University of Chicago.

Mrs. Eagleson’s focus is doing what is best for students through collaboration, open communication, and building a positive school culture. It takes all of us partnering together to provide the best education possible for our students. “Every student deserves a great teacher, not by chance, but by design.”

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ADMINISTRATION