The Gresham Barlow School Board approved hiring an assistant principal for Gordon Russell Middle School for the 2025–26 school year during a special work session on July 23, 2025.

The recommendation, introduced by a staff member identified in the meeting as Michael, listed the candidate as "Victoria Mahira Mahira" and was also referred to during discussion as "Tori Mehara." Board member Chris moved to accept the recommendation and Holly seconded. The motion passed unanimously; one member, David Liggetich, was noted as absent.

Why it matters: the appointment fills an administrative leadership role at a district middle school ahead of the coming school year.

During discussion, Board member Chris said, "I'm very pleased with this recommendation. I'm very excited that, miss Mahara is coming back to Gresham Barlow, and I'm looking forward to her being at Gordon Russell Middle School. I think this is gonna be a very good fit." That remark was the substantive comment recorded in the meeting transcript; no other objections or alternate candidates were raised.

The board took no further action tied to the hire beyond the vote to accept the recommendation. At the meeting the board also announced a strategic planning session scheduled for Aug. 21, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., at Clear Creek Middle School, a board summer social planned for the evening of Aug. 21 (location to be determined), and its next regular business meeting on Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. The special session adjourned at 5:05:04 p.m.

Discussion vs. decision: staff presented the recommendation (discussion); the board voted to accept the recommendation (formal action). No follow-up assignments or conditions tied to the hire were recorded in the transcript.