Crook County schools need a new superintendent and 2 school board members – how did they get here?
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Controversy has swirled in Crook County for over a year now, and it's appeared to reach its pinnacle. The district is now need of a new superintendent and two school board members, after all three resigned. But the district hopes new hires could help usher in a new era.
"I am prepared to support it, and I move to approve the separation," said Crook County School Board Chair Jennifer Knight at one recent meeting.
"And I second that motion," longtime School Board member Scott Cooper added.
In a unanimous vote during that special meeting, the school board approved a separation agreement with departing Superintendent Dr.Melissa Skinner.
The district has agreed to pay Dr.Skinner $265,000 - a year's salary and benefits.
Dr.Skinner resigned after six months on the job amid several controversies. That includes the proposed removal of Athletic Director Rob Bonner, which led to a student walkout and raucous protest.
"Seeing everyone unite and stand together and fight against the superintendent. It's it's very warming," Crook County junior Addison Floyd said during the historic protest, which brought out more than 100 students.
Meanwhile, a petition calling for Skinner's removal was signed by over 1,000 people, including the unions representing Crook County teachers, and classified staff.
But longtime board Vice Chair Scott Cooper said Skinner always meant well: "I'm truly sorry for how things have ended with Dr.Skinner. I do think she came in with great promise. I do think she always had the best interests of the district at heart. She walked into a challenging political situation".
But he's also glad to have the district usher in a new era: "I look forward to closing this chapter and moving on with what's in the best interests of our kids and families."
The school board also needs to fill two open two school board seats.
Jessica Brumble resigned after taking a job with the district as transportation manager, while Cheyenne Edgerly resigned after she said her family were victims of several death threats.
She also told KTVZ News she was sick of the quote "woke mob" taking over Crook County schools.
As a special committee looks for a permanent superintendent, Dr.Joel Hoff will serve in the interim.
He told us at a recent board meeting, "We are clearly going through a lot of issues, and I think my biggest task is to just get a focus on student learning."