Ben La Pine Schools launches new employee orientation and training program

The Bend-LaPine School Board held a regular meeting on August 12, 2025, focusing on employee training initiatives and technology updates. The meeting began with discussions on the new orientation program designed for staff, particularly for inclusion educational assistants (EAs). The program aims to ensure that all employees leave their orientation sessions feeling connected and confident in their roles. This initiative includes bi-weekly Thursday orientations followed by an all-day training session on Fridays, where staff will receive job-specific training to prepare them for their assignments.

The goal of these sessions is to equip employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to start their roles effectively, fostering a sense of belonging within the school community. The student services team, which initiated this program last year, will continue to provide ongoing training and support throughout the school year to maintain employee engagement and development.

Following this, Scott McDonald, the director of IT, addressed the board, highlighting the significant projects underway in the technology department. He emphasized the importance of the Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and other key initiatives, such as the development of a new website and improvements in discipline management and standards-based grading. McDonald noted that these projects are crucial for enhancing the operational efficiency of the school district and are being managed with accountability through designated project managers.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing support for staff and the implementation of technology solutions that align with the district's educational goals. The board expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming training programs and the positive impact they are expected to have on both staff and students.