Cascade School District appoints new middle school principal

LEAVENWORTH — The Cascade School District (CSD) has named Kim Gilreath as the next principal of Icicle River Middle School.

Gilreath will be entering her 26th year in education, where she has worked in various roles, including teacher, assistant principal, and principal in both public and private schools. 

Over the past several years, Gilreath has served as the Assistant Principal at Sultan Middle School, and more recently, as the Principal of Parkway Intermediate School in Ephrata. Prior to those roles, Gilreath taught 7th grade science for six years at CSD’s own Icicle River Middle School. There, Gilreath said she developed a deep appreciation for the students, staff, families and community that define the middle school.

The district describes Gilreath’s return to CSD as a homecoming. Gilreath and her husband Shawn moved to Leavenworth nine years ago. Both of their daughters graduated from Cascade School District. Gilreath has taught two of her nephews at Icicle River Middle School, with another joining the school next year.

Gilreath said she appreciates the middle school’s spirit of creativity, collaboration, and innovation. She sees it as a place where “staff work together to create meaningful learning experiences and where students are encouraged to grow, explore, and discover their potential.”

She said she looks forward to partnering with students, families, and staff as they continue the tradition of excellence at Icicle River Middle School. Together, she hopes they will inspire students to learn, lead, and develop the skills and character needed to become the next generation of leaders in the community.

Gilreath is stepping into the role following the retirement of Michael Miller. Miller has served as the Icicle River Middle School Principal since 2024. He joined the school as the assistant principal and athletic director in 2023. 

“This has been the best three years in my career as an educator by far,” Miller told Ward Media, reflecting on a 30-year career in education.

Miller expressed appreciation for the close collaboration and dedication between teachers, administrators, district staff and the broader community to support upper valley students. After spending a majority of his career with large schools in western Washington, Miller said this unique collaboration was a great example of how a community can accomplish more for students when all levels work together.

“This has been a wonderful school to work for, with amazing staff and incredible district support,” said Miller. 

Miller said he was looking forward to spending more time with his wife in an area they love deeply.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media