‘Now’s the time to speak up’: Crook County School Board reminds community of survey on interim superintendent

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Crook County School Board and District leaders are asking the community to weigh in as the board considers whether to appoint Dr. Joel Hoff as the district’s permanent superintendent.

The school board opened an anonymous public survey inviting feedback on Hoff’s leadership during his time serving as interim superintendent. District officials say the feedback will play a key role in guiding the board’s final decision.

“What the board directed us to do was to get as much feedback as we could so they can make an informed decision,” said Briana Van Roekel, director of school improvement for Crook County School District. “We again want to hear all voices — from community members, family members, students, staff. So that’s the point of the survey that’s out there right now.”

Crook County School Board Vice Chair, Scott Cooper, said the survey is part of a broader effort to ensure transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process.

While board members believe Hoff has performed well during his interim term, Cooper said gathering public input helps confirm that sense — or reveal concerns the board may not be aware of.

“The board thought we ought to take a minute and check our perception and make sure that our community is fine,” Cooper said. “If there’s something that we haven’t heard that we should hear that would raise concern, and we think there’s a reason why we ought to have a competitive search out there, we want to hear that, too.”

The survey closes January 26. A summary of the results is expected to be presented publicly at the February school board meeting.

In addition to the survey, the district has scheduled public listening sessions with staff, students, and families to gather more detailed feedback.

“It’s an important position because it is dealing with every family with kids in our community,” Cooper said. “And it’s very community-facing. So we want the right person in there. If you’ve got something to say, now’s the time to speak up.”

Findings from the survey and listening sessions will be shared publicly in March before the board makes its final decision.

The survey is available in both English and Spanish on the Crook County School District website and in provided links throughout this article.