Klamath County, Oregon – A few months into new leadership, Klamath County School District is hearing a consistent message from families and staff: students should have strong academic opportunities no matter where they live, and communities want a bigger voice in how schools move forward.
Those themes are taking shape as Superintendent Melissa Cole moves through her 100-Day “Listen, Learn, Lead Together” Plan. More than half of her community listening tour is now complete, with discussions touching on academic rigor, rural access, educator support, student needs and the relationship between schools and the communities they serve.
Cole, who became superintendent July 1, has held sessions at Henley Middle School, Gilchrist, Stearns Elementary, Brixner Junior High, Bonanza, Chiloquin, South County schools, and Keno and Gearhart elementaries.
“Education cannot be done alone. It takes our educators, it takes our families, it takes our community partners,” Cole said.
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One of the strongest themes has been academic rigor. Cole said the district is working to establish clear priority standards and map them across the school year, giving teachers more room to focus on deeper learning rather than simply covering material.
Access is another major concern, particularly for students attending smaller rural schools. Families and staff have raised the need for music and band, advanced classes, dual-credit opportunities, middle school electives, athletics and other activities that can help students stay connected to school.
Cole said the district will look at technology, regional partnerships and shared staff expertise as possible ways to expand specialized programs.
“It doesn’t matter the ZIP code. It doesn’t matter the street you live on. Every kid should have access to high levels of rigor and should be able to master those priority standards,” she told parents. “We should not dictate the path our students take post high school. We should create all the opportunities so that they can select their path.”
That approach is tied to Cole’s “four doors” framework, which aims to prepare graduates for college, trade school, military service or direct entry into a career.
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Communities have also raised concerns about bullying, school safety, social media pressures, support for high-needs students and the need for more student leadership opportunities. Cole is responding by creating student, staff and parent advisory groups designed to keep communication going after the tour ends.
“If I’m going to ask you for input and feedback, I’m going to close the communication loop and come back around,” Cole said.
The next sessions are scheduled for Sept. 21 at Mazama High at 6 p.m., Sept. 22 at Henley Elementary at 5 p.m., Sept. 23 at Henley High at 6 p.m., and Sept. 24 at Shasta Elementary at 5 p.m.
District leaders plan to use the tour’s final findings to help shape upcoming operational goals.
“People want to feel connected, informed, supported, and engaged in the shared work of student success,” Cole said.
