Crook County School Board member Cheyenne Edgerly resigns seat, accuses critics of threats and ‘slander campaign’

(Update: Acting superintendent, board member Scott Cooper comments)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) – Crook County School Board member Cheyenne Edgerly, under fire by some in the community amid the uproar over departing Superintendent Melissa Skinner, submitted her resignation on Thursday, accusing her critics of “a slander campaign.”

She also referred to "threats and the vitriol against me and my family" in her resignation notice, dated Thursday.

Edgerly was the lone no vote last week when the board voted to negotiate Skinner's departure, saying the board was wrong not to seek an independent, third-party investigator of the complaints.

“In my opinion, the most dangerous place for children is the current version of public education,” said Edgerly, a mother of five who was elected in 2023, calling for “stronger parental involvement and greater transparency.”

Acting Superintendent Joel Hoff shared this comment with KTVZ News:

"I will certainly allow Mrs. Edgerly the opportunity to speak on her own behalf. I am deeply committed to maintaining a standard of respect for all individuals throughout this process. As Acting Superintendent, my primary focus is to support our schools and staff as we remain committed to our core mission—Serving Crook County Students.

"In recent days, I have had the privilege of visiting our schools and witnessing the dedication of both our certified and classified staff as they work tirelessly to foster a positive and productive learning environment for our students. I take great pride in the Crook County School District and look forward to getting our focus back to serving our students."

As for filling Edgerly's seat, board member Scott Cooper told us the process requires a board appointment, once the vacancy is declared, presumably at Monday's meeting, "and then we will advertise the position."

Here’s Edgerly's resignation note, in full: