Problem Solvers: Leadership investigation reveals costly probe, culture concerns in Culver Schools

CULVER, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Culver School District has hired a new superintendent, months after a third-party investigation into former Superintendent Stefanie Garber led to her resignation.

The Problem Solvers first reported on the concerns inside the district in February. Records reviewed by KTVZ News provide a deeper look at what staff described as a long-standing culture issue — and raise questions about how the school board handled concerns before hiring outside investigators.

This particular situation dates back to last summer, when Culver School District staff brought concerns about Garber to the school board. Around that time, staff had conducted an anonymous survey on district culture. 

Culver Education Association President, Sarah Cox, presented the results to the board in June 2025 and said she would leave the findings for board members to review after the meeting.

Records show the board chose not to review the survey results, prompting a formal complaint from district Human Resources Director, Jodi Henry.

In that complaint, Henry wrote that she had received repeated concerns from staff but struggled to act because employees feared retaliation if they filed formal complaints.

“I was receiving so many complaints and I did not know how to handle them when the staff members wouldn’t file a KL complaint for legitimate fear of retaliation,” Henry wrote.

Henry also wrote that staff perceived a divide in treatment between employees seen as close to Garber and those who were not.

“There is a striking difference in the application of these retaliatory behaviors depending on if you are one of her favorites, on ‘Team Stefanie’ as staff refer to it, or if you’re not,” Henry wrote.

In response, the school board hired Ussery Consultants to conduct a third-party investigation into Garber’s conduct.

According to records, investigators interviewed 23 witnesses and reviewed 12 questions stemming from complaints over the previous two years. The report found 10 of the 12 complaints against Garber were founded.

Those findings included age discrimination, missed employee evaluations, improper disclosures, and violations of board policy and contracts.

The report also pointed to broader leadership issues, including Garber overstepping religious lines, failing to take responsibility in key incidents, and communication problems investigators said led to “low morale, mistrust, and confusion” among staff.

Two allegations — that Garber mismanaged finances and altered board minutes — were deemed unfounded.

In the report, Garber denied the allegations and submitted written responses. She described what she saw as dysfunction within the administrative team, alleging immaturity, mistrust, and a “gotcha” culture. Garber suggested internal conflict contributed to the complaint.

“There is a common theme I have witnessed and it is a high level of immaturity and insecurity,” Garber wrote. She also wrote that some staff were operating “under a ‘gotcha’ lens” and undermining trust within the administrative team.

Garber also wrote, “I pray for them, it is my job to forgive them, and my nature is to help and support them.”

Overall, the records describe a broader cultural problem inside the district. Staff reported fears that speaking up could negatively impact their jobs, their students, and their standing in the district.

Records also show the investigation cost the district more than $25,000 — an expense now drawing scrutiny as Culver School District faces budget pressure, staff furlough days, and cuts.

The cost raises questions about whether staff concerns should have been addressed earlier, whether the board should have acted sooner, and what accountability looks like going forward.

The district has now selected a new superintendent, who is set to start in July.

The school board oversaw that hiring process — the same board that chose not to review staff survey results, spent district funds on an outside investigation, and is now tasked with rebuilding trust.

KTVZ News requested interviews with both Garber and the Culver School Board. The district’s attorney said one board member may be available to speak by phone.

KTVZ News has also requested an interview with the incoming superintendent.

The Problem Solvers hope to discover how the district made its decisions and how it plans to earn back trust.

You can view the executive summary from the investigation in its entirety below.