Superintendent announces hire of assistant superintendent Jeff Burns and schedules board candidate forum May 6

Superintendent Karen Gray announced that the district has hired Jeff Burns as assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, a position funded from the Student Investment Act (SIA) rather than the general fund.

Gray said Burns comes from Washington, is experienced as a principal of Blue Ribbon schools and is a presenter for Solution Tree, a national provider of professional development. Burns will officially meet the board and public on May 28, Gray said.

Gray also announced the district will host a school board candidate forum at St. Helens High School auditorium on May 6 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., moderated by a professional moderator. She said the forum will be advertised ahead of ballots being mailed.

Graduation seating conversation: A board member raised moving the board off-stage during graduation to keep attention on students; discussion included whether diplomas are conferred by principals and whether a board representative should be present to congratulate graduates. The board left details to the high school activities director and principal to finalize.

Organizational meeting: Board members discussed scheduling the July organizational meeting and favored a date near the second week of July to accommodate July 4 holiday timing and new-member swearing-in.

Ending: Gray said the new assistant superintendent will assist teaching, learning and student services and that the district will publish details about the candidate forum and upcoming meetings.