Douglass to fill Bend-La Pine School Board vacancy

The Bend-La Pine Schools Board of Directors appointed Carrie McPherson Douglass to represent Zone 7 (at-large) during a school board meeting Monday night, choosing her from among 26 applicants and four finalists to fill the remaining months of departing board member Nori Juba’s term.

Douglass is currently a managing partner at Education Cities, a national nonprofit aimed at improving education opportunities for low-income students in urban communities.

“I bring a lot of experience to the table, but my most important job will be to listen and learn over the coming months,” she said. “I am eager to hear from educators, parents, students and community members about what’s important to them.”

Douglass says she has worked with communities all over the country that are innovating to create schools that better prepare students for the future.

“I would love to see Bend-La Pine Schools take this opportunity to think differently about what a school looks and feels like,” she said. “I’m passionate about empowering teachers to personalize learning for students and I want to focus on closing the achievement gap and sending more kids to college or to be prepared for a satisfying career.”

Douglass was born in Bend and is a graduate of Bend Senior High School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Portland and a Master of Business Administration from Boston University.

Previously, she has worked at an education foundation, as the head of human resources and talent for a school system and as a teacher and school administrator.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve our community in this capacity and I hope to earn the vote of the public on May 16,” she adds. “I want all students in Bend-La Pine Schools to experience an education that inspires them to their fullest potential, and that takes an incredible staff and administration, as well as public servants willing to serve on the school board.”

Douglass was one of 26 applicants and four finalists for the open position vacated by Juba who has announced plans to leave the board at the end of the month.

Douglass will be sworn-in during Tuesday night’s 28 meeting of the Bend-La Pine Schools Board of Directors.

She already has announced plans to run for the seat in the May election.