Bend-La Pine Schools hires Karen Rush as new elementary programs director

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Bend-La Pine Schools has hired Karen Rush as one of the District’s two Executive Directors of Elementary Programs. She will begin on Nov. 4 and work alongside Executive Director Tammy Doty in overseeing the district’s 19 elementary schools.

Rush is in her first year as the Program Director for Medical, Mental Health, and Prevention Initiatives with Oregon Child Abuse Solutions, a nonprofit organization. Before that, she served as Executive Director for the Children’s Center in Oregon City, a non-profit organization, for four years.

Prior to working in nonprofits, Rush worked for the North Clackamas School District for 20 years in a variety of roles, including school psychologist, special education administrator and principal at three elementary schools, associate director of elementary programs, director of early learning, and executive director of elementary programs. She has undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees from the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Steven Cook, Superintendent of Bend-La Pine Schools, said, “Throughout this recruitment process, Karen demonstrated a level of expertise that leaves us certain she will make an immediate impact and will be a valuable addition not only to our elementary leadership team, but to our overall District leadership.”

Karen Rush said, “I am incredibly excited to join such a highly respected school district and to have the opportunity to collaborate with the dedicated families and teachers who make this community so special. I am especially thrilled to become part of a school community that shares a strong vision for inclusion and success for all learners, and I look forward to contributing to the growth and achievement of every student.”