Go Royal Scots! The Next Chapter for our McKay High School Community

On June 26, Salem-Keizer Public Schools announced the transition of several district principals to serve students across the district. These transitions include a change in leadership at McKay High School as Principal Quiring steps into a role supporting students districtwide.

With the departure of Principal Quiring, we are excited to announce the next leader of McKay High School, Mari Vásquez.

Below, Principal Quiring shares a message with our McKay Community about the transition:

Dear McKay Students and Families,

I’m letting you know about a change in our leadership and introducing you to McKay’s new principal. I want to make sure you hear from me first about this transition as I move into a role supporting students districtwide.

I care deeply for the school community we have built together over my time at McKay, and I am excited for the next chapter and all of the possibilities that lie ahead for this incredible school community.

I am thrilled to announce that Mari Vásquez has been selected as the next Principal of McKay High School. Mari is an incredible educator and administrator, currently serving as an Assistant Principal here at McKay, and I have no doubt that you will all be in excellent hands under her leadership.

Mari Vásquez worked as an educator in Salem-Keizer Public Schools for ten years prior to transitioning to an assistant principal role in a neighboring district. After three years, Vásquez returned to Salem-Keizer. In her role as assistant principal at McKay for the last four years, she has helped lead efforts focused on strengthening teaching and learning, driven by a steadfast belief that every student deserves access to a high-quality education.

She is a passionate, student-centered educator who is looking forward to collaborating with students, staff, families, and community members to build on McKay’s successes together. She is committed to McKay and is honored to continue serving the Royal Scot community.

We will share this update with McKay staff next and then publicly this afternoon.

Thank you,
Principal Quiring

Principal Vásquez will continue working with the McKay Administrative team in her new capacity this summer and looks forward to welcoming all students and families back for an incredible 2026-27 school year in the fall.