Beez Lucero named North Whidbey Middle School principal after Russ Peters retires

Beez Lucero has been named the next principal of North Whidbey Middle School, Oak Harbor Public Schools announced publicly in early February, with the Whidbey News-Times reporting the selection on Feb. 5 following the retirement of long-time principal Russ Peters after 11 years at the school. The district’s announcement described Lucero as a trusted, familiar leader and included a portrait labeled “Future Principal” alongside the NWMS Cougars logo.

Lucero has served as North Whidbey’s assistant principal for about three years and, according to the Whidbey News-Times, has spent 21 years working in education. District materials list his prior roles as classroom teacher, assistant principal, athletic director, and high school principal, and note he “demonstrat[ed] the steady leadership, care, and commitment to our community values.”

In district release comments, Lucero said, “North Whidbey is an incredible school and I am excited to continue the important work we have been doing with our tremendous staff, students, and families.” In a Whidbey News-Times interview he added, “I’m really excited for the opportunity,” and “I really love the school and the staff, and I like working with middle school kids, so, just very excited for this opportunity.” Lucero framed his priorities as keeping NWMS “a place where trust is fostered between students and educators, students get the education they need and where employees can thrive, too.”

Russ Peters’ retirement prompted the leadership change; Oak Harbor Public Schools described Peters as having “been a steady and caring leader who has made a lasting difference for students, staff, and families” and said he “will be fondly remembered for the warmth and joy he brought to the school community; from his welcoming presence each day …”

Lucero’s promotion creates an assistant principal vacancy at NWMS. Lucero told the Whidbey News-Times that “the ideal replacement … puts students first and is willing to support them however needed,” and the district indicated the search for a replacement could begin in March and be wrapped up by April or May.

North Whidbey Middle School’s mission statement on the school directory reads in full: “The aim of the North Whidbey staff is for students to enter our school every day feeling safe, excited to learn, and ready to work hard in order to achieve. We want to work with families and the community to partner in this so that we can accomplish our mission of preparing all of our students for high school success when they complete 8th grade.” The NWMS office is at 67 NE Izett Street, Oak Harbor, WA 98277; phone 360.279.5500; office hours 7:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Attendance can be reported at 360.279.5503 or nwmsattendance@ohsd.net and registrar questions at 360.279.5513 or nwmsrecords@ohsd.net. The school fax is 360.279.5516.

Oak Harbor Public Schools shared the announcement via its communications block and Instagram caption stating, “Beez Lucero has been selected as the next principal of North Whidbey Middle School! Mr. Lucero is a trusted and familiar leader within the NWMS community.” The district release that contained the appointment also included Oak Harbor High School theater show dates Feb. 12-14 and Feb. 19-21 with doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m., and $15 tickets at the door.