Superintendent Cook: district to celebrate AP top scorers with yard signs; will attend August meeting virtually

Bend, Ore., June 8, 2025 — Superintendent Steven Cook told the Bend-LaPine Administrative School District 1 board that the district plans to give yard signs to students who achieved perfect scores on AP or IB exams and that the district may add a seal of biliteracy recognition.

Cook said the number of students with perfect scores exceeds 400 and the district will distribute yard signs and coordinate deliveries and photo opportunities with families; he invited board members to assist if they wish. He also said the district is exploring a seal of biliteracy program but will avoid public recognition for students who do not want the attention.

Cook also told the board he will attend the district's August meeting virtually because he and his wife will be in Phoenix for appointments at the Mayo Clinic. He said Deputy Superintendent Lisa Burke will take on leadership responsibilities during that meeting's executive-session planning and strategic-priority discussions.

Board members used the opportunity to welcome new Director Jen Lynch and to thank district staff for summer operations; Directors noted the district is continuing summer meal service for students. Director Ross Tomlin said he will attend Oregon School Boards Association training in August and Director Jen Lynch said she is arranging meetings with district department heads and seeking an education finance training opportunity in September.

Those remarks were made during the board's "greater good" discussion and routine updates; no formal board actions or policy changes were proposed in this portion of the meeting.