EPHRATA — Ephrata School District officials have announced the selection of Ashlie Miller as the new principal at Ephrata High School. Levi Spencer has been hired as the new assistant principal at Ephrata Middle School.

Miller will replace Aaron Cummings, who was hired as the ESD’s assistant superintendent. Currently she is the assistant principal at Dallas High School in Dallas, Oregon.

“It’s obvious that excellence is expected in Ephrata and that excites me. I’m looking forward to working collaboratively with students and staff to make connections and build on the strong tradition of EHS,” Miller wrote in a district press release.

Miller has a master's degree in Spanish language teaching and speaks English and Spanish. Prior to becoming a teacher and administrator, she was an intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force.

Assistant Superintendent Ken Murray, who will take over as the ESD superintendent in July, said he thought Miller is a good choice.

“Ashlie is absolutely the right person to lead Ephrata High School. Her diverse background and outside perspectives will be key to building and growing the strong foundation we have at EHS,” Murray said.

The position of assistant principal will be new at the middle school; it will replace the former dean of students position. The goal is to expand mentorship, support and coaching for teachers while working with students, the press release said.

PJ Anderson, the current dean of students, will rejoin the teaching staff as a PE teacher and athletic coordinator, the press release said.

Spencer was the principal at Soap Lake Middle/High School before taking the EMS job.

“As an educator, it’s always been my passion to support kids and their learning. I’m excited to join the team at EMS and collaborate with staff and students to continue elevating the standards of achievement,” Spencer wrote in the press release.