‘An unimaginable loss:’ colleague of wife of Sisters Schools superintendent reflects on her community impact
IDANHA, Ore. (KTVZ) — Kellie Jay Scholl, the wife of Sisters Schools Superintendent Curtiss Scholl, died Sunday morning in a single-vehicle crash on Highway 22.
The 53-year-old was a passenger in a vehicle that struck a tree near the town of Idanha.
According to longtime coworker and director of human resources at Sisters Public Schools, Joe Hosang, Curtiss Scholl is now in stable condition as of Tuesday afternoon.
KTVZ News learned Tuesday Kellie worked for Circle of Friends Oregon, a mentoring program aimed at connecting vulnerable children in Sisters with trained volunteer mentors.
In a statement to KTVZ News, Circle of Friends Oregon executive director, Nicole Woodson, reflected on Kellie's time with the nonprofit and how she impacted the community,
Woodson said, "Kellie Scholl worked with Circle of Friends for eight years. In those years, her impact was tremendous on the child and youth of our Circle of Friends community. She worked closely with a number of volunteer mentors over those years, as well as walking alongside families in need. Kellie will be deeply missed by all of us. This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with Curt Scholl and his family during this time of profound grief. On behalf of our entire organization, we extend our deepest condolences and surround them with care and compassion."
The accident occurred Feb. 1, 2026, at approximately 11 a.m. near milepost 68 in Linn County. Preliminary investigation by the Oregon State Police found that Scholl was driving westbound when he attempted to pass another vehicle and lost control of the car.
Oregon State Police reported that the vehicle involved was a blue Hyundai IONIQ. After losing control for unknown reasons, the car struck a tree. Kellie Scholl was pronounced deceased at the scene of the collision.
Scholl, 55, sustained injuries and required extrication from the vehicle by emergency responders. He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The school district reports his condition is currently improving as his family gathers together.
Scholl has served as the superintendent for the Sisters School District since 2015. Community members and district staff have expressed support following the news of the crash. Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair was among those visiting the district administration building on Monday.
Joe Hosang, the director of human resources for Sisters Public Schools and a longtime co-worker of the superintendent, has been in contact with the Scholl family. He noted that support for the family has extended beyond the local area since the accident. "It's not just the community is the entire state," Hosang said. "I'm getting phone calls from OSHA. President, Peter Weber, along from, other counties. It's just amazing. I've been on the phone texting all day. That's all I've been doing."
The crash investigation and scene clearance restricted traffic on Highway 22 for approximately 4 hours. Several agencies assisted the Oregon State Police at the site, including the Detroit/Idanha Fire Department, Lyons Ambulance, and Stayton Ambulance. The Oregon Department of Transportation managed traffic during the closure.
The Scholl family is currently asking for positive thoughts and prayers. The Sisters School District has not yet released further details regarding services or the life and legacy of Scholl.
