Principal's Corner

Principal's Welcome

Ted Macomber, Principal of Olalla Elementary
Building Culture. Leading with Purpose. Always Accessible.

Since January 2016, Mr. Macomber has led Olalla Elementary with a deep commitment to building a strong, inclusive school culture—where kindness is contagious and student success is everyone’s mission. Prior to joining Olalla, he served as the Dean of Students at Cedar Heights and held educational roles in Federal Way, Kent, Tacoma, and Seattle. A proud product of Port Orchard, Mr. Macomber always knew he’d return home to serve the community that helped raise him. Being principal at Olalla Elementary? He calls it his dream job—and he means it.

Mr. Macomber is known for his visibility, responsiveness, and calm leadership—even during the occasional playground drama or mystery crayon-on-the-wall incident. He works to ensure that every student is seen, every family feels heard, and every staff member is supported. Whether welcoming new families or reconnecting with returning ones, he creates a culture where belonging isn’t just a buzzword—it’s built into every hallway greeting, family night, and Owl cheer.

As both a principal and a parent—his own sons are proud Olalla Owls—Mr. Macomber is personally invested in the school’s success. That shared experience deepens his connection with families and reinforces Olalla’s identity as a true community school.

Academic excellence is also a cornerstone of his leadership. Under his direction, Olalla was recognized for three consecutive years as a School of Achievement by OSPI—placing in the top 10% of schools statewide for academic progress. This distinction reflects the dedication of the teaching staff, the perseverance of students, and a shared belief that learning thrives where relationships are strong.

Mr. Macomber approaches leadership with clarity, heart, and just enough humor to keep things human. He’s known to jump into a rap battle, appear in staff photos with questionable props, and lead AVID cheers like it’s an Olympic event. He brings joy and consistency to a role that asks for both.

At the heart of it all is a guiding belief: when culture leads, learning follows. And Olalla? It’s proof that this belief works.