Latest Crook County School Board meeting confirms 2 resignations and an investigation
(Update: Clarifying, providing full statement from Transportation Department staff member)
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ} - At the latest Crook County School Board meeting Monday evening, board member Cheyenne Edgerly joined Superintendent Melissa Skinner in submitting their resignation. How does the school board move forward?
Just weeks after Dr. Melissa Skinner resigned, the Crook County School Board confirmed the two resignations.
School board member Jennifer Knight announced the board’s actions.
“Pursuant to district policy B-B-C, the board announces that Jessica Brumble and Cheyenne Edgerly, have resigned from the board. Ms. Brumble’s resignation was effective December 10th, 2024, and Ms. Edgerly's resignation was effective January 9th, 2025. This means that the board is also declaring board vacancies from zones 1 and 3.”
A bit of background: On January 6th, Crook County School Board members acknowledged receipt of a complaint which alleged unethical conduct by Skinner, including the hiring of former school board member Jessica Brumble as Transportation Manager, and the planned reassignment of Athletic Director Rob Bonner.
By January 10th, embattled board member Cheyenne Edgerly submitted her resignation after being named in that complaint.
Now, board member Scott Cooper says they need to deal with how to proceed with Jessica Brumble.
“At the last board meeting, there was a connection to legal counsel to hire an investigator to look at the process that was used in hiring the former Board Chair by the Superintendent,” said Cooper.
Now that Skinner, Edgerly and Brumble have been dealt their fate, Cooper says they are now tasked with appointing additional board members.
Even though this board meeting allowed public comment, the school board refused to hear comments pertaining to past board members. However, that did not stop an eager crowd on making their voices heard about Skinner, Edgerly and Brumble.
Natalia Crass, a senior at Crook County High School, made her feelings known.
“We, the students, have to find out over social media that a beloved and highly respected and successful member at our school, staff member at our school, athletic director, is to be either reassigned or fired entirely.”
Crass went on to say, “We just staged a walkout on December 16th. We peacefully demonstrated our dissatisfaction (with the) decision that was made and our desire to return things the way they were, and this hasn't just been a stand-alone event. It seems as though there have been complaints levied against other county school district staffers as well.”
Prineville resident and school bus driver Lisa Wagner also spoke at Monday night’s board meeting, reading a statement she told NewsChannel 21 represents the views of a majority of the team at the CCSD Transportation Department, not just her own.
“When we learned that the district had hired somebody without the necessary experience or qualifications to manage transportation. It was deeply concerning, to say the least.” (You can read her full statement below.)
Still, the Crook County School Board is determined to push forward.
Acting Superintendent Joel Hoff said, “We have to model being respectful to everyone. I think secondly, we need to get our focus back, so that means every decision we make is centered on students, student learning and student safety and student well-being.”
Crook County School Board members opened an application process to fill the vacant seats of the two board members.
That process began Wednesday, extending for 21 days, and closing the application process around February 5th. Shortly afterwards, they will be selecting two new board members.
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Statement by Lisa Wagner, Route 12, Crook County School District Transportation:
The transportation department is more than just a team, we are a family working together with a shared commitment to the safety and well-being of our students. Over the past few weeks, our unity and dedication to our mission has only grown stronger. We take pride in our roles, going above and beyond to ensure students are transported safely and reliably, whether on daily routes or for field trips.
Transportation is a critical component of the educational system, and the importance of leadership in this department cannot be overstated. When we learned that the district had hired someone without the necessary experience or qualifications to manage transportation, it was deeply concerning to say the least. The role of a transportation manager requires a comprehensive understanding of bus operations, student management, route planning, and state and federal regulations governing transportation. Unfortunately, this individual does not meet those expectations.
While our team is committed to supporting leadership, it is not reasonable—or safe—for bus drivers to train a manager on foundational responsibilities like performing pre-trip inspections, understanding safe route planning, or managing student behavior. These are skills and knowledge that must be brought to the role on day one. This is not an entry level position.
I urge the board to allow the district to take the time needed to hire a fully qualified candidate for this position. The right person will not only have the technical skills and certifications but also the leadership qualities to help this department achieve its full potential. Filling the position quickly should not outweigh the need to fill it correctly.
We ask that the district prioritize the long-term success of transportation by choosing a candidate who is ready to lead and elevate this department. We are committed to supporting this process and look forward to welcoming a leader who shares our dedication to excellence and student safety.
