Boise School District Announces Administrative Appointments

Boise, ID -- 04/14/2025 -- Boise School District is pleased to announce the following administrative appointments, effective the 2025-2026 school year.

Cory James, Principal, Highlands Elementary School



Mr. James brings a wealth of educational experience, a deep commitment to student-centered learning, and a proven ability to build strong relationships with students, families, and staff. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an unwavering focus on academic excellence, inclusive and welcoming school environments, and the importance of collaborative leadership.

Cory began his teaching career in the Boise School District at Pierce Park Elementary and has since served students across the Treasure Valley in a wide variety of roles—from classroom teacher to Elementary & High School summer school principal. His experiences at schools such as Grace Jordan, Lowell, and Owyhee, as well as his recent administrative internship at Koelsch Elementary and North Junior High, have prepared him well to lead Highlands Elementary. In the post-secondary educational setting, Cory taught at the College of Western Idaho as a math instructor and is currently an adjunct professor of child psychology at Boise State University.

With degrees from Boise State University (B.A. in Elementary Education) and the University of Idaho (M.Ed. in Educational Leadership), as well as multiple state certifications and over 30 professional development credits earned through BSU and NNU, Mr. James is a lifelong learner dedicated to continually growing his leadership and teaching practice. His innovative approach to virtual learning—highlighted by his TESOL certification and years as an online educator, including teaching in the international sector and with Boise Online School—further reflects his adaptability and student-first mindset.

In addition to his time in the classroom, Cory has served in a variety of leadership roles, including Instructional Lead, Building Belonging Lead, Administrative Designee, and he has actively contributed to committees focused on school improvement, curriculum development, and creating a sense of welcoming and belonging.

Mr. James is deeply committed to the Boise School District’s mission of educating today for a better tomorrow and to the vision of preparing every student for success in college, career, and in life. He looks forward to partnering with the Highlands Elementary community to ensure all students are known, challenged, and supported in a welcoming and high-achieving environment.

Please join us in congratulating Cory James on his new role as Principal of Highlands Elementary School. We are excited about the future under his leadership and know he will continue to inspire excellence and belonging for all students and families in the Highlands community.

Jamie Kubena, Principal, Les Bois Junior High School

Mr. Kubena brings with him 23 years of experience as a passionate, student-centered educator and leader. He currently serves as Assistant Principal at Borah High School (2023–present), where he has played an important role in supporting student learning and school improvement efforts. Prior to that, he served as Assistant Principal at Summitvue Middle School in the Vallivue School District (2021–2023), where he successfully led initiatives focused on academic achievement, student support systems, and a positive school climate. His leadership in both junior high and high school settings has equipped him with a deep understanding of the unique academic and developmental needs of secondary students.

Throughout his career, Mr. Kubena has demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring that all students have access to the support, opportunities, and high-quality instruction they need to succeed both academically and socially. He is a strong believer in the Boise School District’s vision of preparing students for success in college, career, and in life—and he works tirelessly to ensure that every student is on a path toward a bright and successful future.

Mr. Kubena is known for his dedication to student-centered learning and his ability to build meaningful, trusting relationships with students, staff, and families. He prioritizes collaboration among educators and is committed to fostering a warm, welcoming school environment where every individual feels seen, valued, and supported.

In addition to his recent secondary leadership roles, Mr. Kubena brings extensive experience from his years in the classroom. He began his career in the Boise School District as an English, Reading, and Technology teacher at East Junior High School (2002–2006), then served as a 5th/6th grade teacher at Garfield and Amity Elementary Schools (2006–2021). He also led as an Elementary Summer School Site Coordinator from 2010 to 2015.

Mr. Kubena holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Boise State University, a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Lesley University, and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Idaho.

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Kubena on his new role. We are excited for the experienced, inclusive, and student-focused leadership he will bring to Les Bois Junior High School.

Steve Novotny - Assistant Principal, Borah High School

Steve Novotny is a seasoned and student-centered educational leader who has been serving public school students since 1997. With nearly three decades of experience in both elementary and secondary education, Mr. Novotny brings a deep commitment to fostering supportive, inclusive, and academically rigorous learning environments for all students.

Mr. Novotny currently serves as Principal of White Pine Elementary School, a role he began in 2023. Prior to that, he served as Principal of Horizon Elementary School from 2015 to 2023. He also brings a strong background in secondary education, having served as Assistant Principal at North Junior High School from 2011 to 2015, as well as holding earlier roles as a social studies teacher at both Capital High School and Les Bois Junior High. His leadership experience also includes roles in alternative and summer school programs, and assistant principal positions at several elementary schools across the Boise School District.

Throughout his career, Mr. Novotny has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to the Boise School District’s mission of ensuring high levels of learning for every student. He is a collaborative leader who values strong partnerships with staff and families, recognizing that positive relationships are essential to building a welcoming school culture and supporting student achievement.

As an instructional leader, Mr. Novotny is deeply committed to student-centered learning and works tirelessly to ensure that each learner receives the support, resources, and guidance they need to thrive—whether their path leads to college, career, or civic life. His experience across all grade levels positions him well to serve and support the students and staff of Borah High School.

In addition to his work in the classroom, Mr. Novotny has a long-standing passion for extracurricular activities. During his tenure as a teacher, he was actively involved in coaching basketball, football, and track. He is a strong advocate for the Boise School District’s broad array of extracurricular offerings and is committed to supporting programs that help students grow outside the classroom, develop leadership skills, and build lasting connections.

Mr. Novotny holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boise State University, a Master of Arts in Education (Curriculum and Instruction) from Antioch University in Seattle, and an Educational Administration degree from Northwest Nazarene University.

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Novotny on his new role as Assistant Principal at Borah High School.

Tyler Targee, Principal, Amity Elementary School

A dedicated and passionate educator, Mr. Targee brings 24 years of classroom and administrative experience to this leadership role. He has a proven track record of fostering positive learning environments, improving student achievement, and building strong relationships with students, staff, and families.

Mr. Targee currently serves as an Assistant Principal Intern at Grace Jordan and Shadow Hills Elementary Schools, where he supports daily school operations, staff development, and student support systems. He also led the elementary summer program at Taft Elementary as Summer School Principal Lead the past two years and will serve in the same capacity at Whittier Elementary this summer, overseeing curriculum delivery, professional development, and community engagement.

From 2001 to 2024, Mr. Targee served as an elementary teacher in the Boise School District, where he was known for his instructional excellence, collaborative leadership, and a deep commitment to student-centered learning—ensuring that the academic, social, and emotional needs of each learner are supported through personalized instruction and inclusive practices.

Mr. Targee holds an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Northwest Nazarene University, along with two master’s degrees from Lesley University in Curriculum & Instruction and Technology in Education. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Boise State University.

He has contributed to numerous leadership initiatives across the District, including serving as a Principal Designee, mentor teacher, leadership team member, and participant in the District Math Cohort and Student Assessment Committee.

Driven by a vision of shared leadership, continuous improvement, and inclusive school culture, Mr. Targee is eager to work in partnership with the Amity Elementary community to support student success and fulfill the goals of the Boise School District’s strategic plan.

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Targee on this well-deserved appointment and in welcoming him to the Amity Elementary School community!

Meghan Wonderlich, Principal, Fairmont Junior High School

A dedicated educator and visionary leader, Ms. Wonderlich brings to Fairmont a strong track record of building inclusive, student-centered learning communities. Her thoughtful and collaborative leadership style, combined with her ability to make strategic, data-informed decisions that prioritize the needs of students and staff, aligns closely with the Boise School District’s mission of “Educating Today for a Better Tomorrow” and our vision of preparing students for success in college, career, and in life.

Ms. Wonderlich currently serves as Director of Academics at the Idaho State Department of Education, where she leads statewide initiatives focused on instructional improvement, early literacy, and leadership development. She oversees the Idaho Content Standards Review, manages the SMART early literacy program supporting over 600 teachers annually, and develops toolkits and frameworks to improve student learning outcomes. She also supports the implementation of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and an integrated Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and provides high-impact professional development for district and school leaders.

In addition to her state-level leadership, Ms. Wonderlich also serves as an independent consultant, providing evidence-based professional development and training to educators across the country. She collaborates with national authors, consultants, and practitioners to contribute to materials and structures that support Clarity for Learning, school improvement, mathematics instruction, school climate, and leadership capacity building.

Previously, Ms. Wonderlich served as Principal of Jefferson Middle School in the Caldwell School District, where she led the implementation of standards-based grading, trauma-invested practices, and mindfulness-based social-emotional learning. She also cultivated staff leadership through collaborative decision-making and peer-led instructional teams. Prior to that role, she was Assistant Principal at Syringa Middle School, also in Caldwell, supporting special education services and schoolwide systems of support.

Ms. Wonderlich began her education career as a Mathematics Teacher at Rocky Mountain High School in the West Ada School District, where she helped lead the district’s Common Core transition, co-developed intervention programs, and supported student engagement through coaching and student leadership activities.

Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Northwest Nazarene University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Math Education from the University of Idaho, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, also from the University of Idaho. She holds Idaho certifications in 6–12 Mathematics, 6–12 American Government, and as a K–12 School Principal.

A recognized leader in educational development, Ms. Wonderlich actively contributes to state and national education efforts through her involvement in professional networks and advisory boards, including Project AWARE, the State Middle Level Math Workgroup, Hunt Institute’s The Path Forward, the STEP Grant Committee, and the ROOT Advisory Board.

Throughout her career, Ms. Wonderlich has remained deeply committed to supporting each and every student, ensuring that all learners have access to high-quality instruction, strong relationships, and the opportunity to reach their full potential. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in the belief that schools should empower both students and staff to grow, lead, and succeed—values that align directly with those of the Boise School District.

Please join us in welcoming Ms. Wonderlich to the Fairmont Junior High School community. Her experience, dedication, and heart for students will be a tremendous asset to our district.

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