Cheri Helt resigns from Bend-La Pine School Board

Newly elected state Rep. Cheri Helt has submitted her resignation to the Bend-La Pine School Board on the eve of the first legislative session she will serve in, noting the time commitment that her new position will take.

Here’s the letter Helt sent Friday to the school board chairman and district superintendent, in full:

“Dear Andy High and Shay Mikalson

“It is with both honor and sadness that I am writing to inform you of my decision to resign from the Bend La-Pine School Board. My new responsibilities as State Representative for the people of Bend will not allow me the time to continuing serving on the school board and the students, teachers, parents and voters of the school district deserve a full-time voice.

“I will work with you to select an official resignation date that allows for a smooth transition and the selection of a replacement board member. Rest assured, while my elected role has changed, my fierce advocacy for our schools and children will continue.

“Serving on the school board the past eight years has been the honor and experience of a lifetime. I am proud of what we have accomplished working together. Among the highlights of the past few years — we raised graduation rates, fast-tracked new safety entrances, relieved overcrowding with new schools, implemented an innovative teacher contract to reward performance and transitioned school buses to cleaner burning fuels.

“I believe that Bend La-Pine schools are some of the finest in Oregon because of the support we receive from parents, taxpayers and the community and because of our incredible teachers, administrators and staff. The hard work of improving student achievement never ends and I look forward to continuing to lead for better schools for every child in my new role as State Representative.

“On a personal note, as a parent of three kids who have attended our schools, I want to thank you – and every school board member, teacher and district staff member – for your tireless work to open the doors of opportunity for my children and every child in our community. Schools are more than classrooms and buildings, they are they are the fabric of the community. I am grateful for the education my kids have received because of the dedication of so many. Thank you.

“Warm regards,
Cheri Helt”

The school board will discuss the resignation and process to fill the vacancy at its scheduled board meeting Tuesday evening, school district spokeswoman Julianne Repman said.

Helt, a Republican who represents Zone 1, was elected to the House District 54 seat in November and was sworn in last Monday. Here’s a link to her legislative page.

She has been appointed vice-chair of the House Education Committeee and is a member of the Joint Student Success Committee.