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Board appoints Melissa Cole as Klamath County School District superintendent
Summary
At a special meeting, the Klamath County School Board approved a contract appointing Melissa Cole as superintendent, effective July 9, following a consultant-led search and a voice vote. Consultants and multiple board members praised Cole’s community ties and leadership experience.
The Klamath County School Board voted at a special meeting to approve a contract appointing Melissa Cole as superintendent, with the position slated to begin July 9. The motion to approve the contract was made by the presiding board member and seconded; the board carried the motion by voice vote.
Robin Bean, a search consultant with Human Capital Enterprises, told the board the firm conducted engagement meetings in January and February and used community input to shape candidate criteria. "We were really thrilled with the caliber of applicants who expressed interest," Bean said, adding that the finalist "checked all the boxes of your next superintendent criteria." Bean thanked board and staff liaisons for their assistance during the search.
During discussion before the vote, several board members praised the finalist’s references, classroom experience and local roots. One board member said the finalist presented data-driven plans tied to the district’s strategic goals and that in-person interviews reinforced a strong impression of the candidate’s leadership and character. Another member said they had initial concerns the candidate’s interview answers might be scripted but that the in-person meeting alleviated those worries.
After the vote, Melissa Cole thanked the board and the community for their participation in the search. "Klamath is my home," Cole said. "I believe in every student, and you will find that I will believe in every student every day." She emphasized a commitment to trust, transparency and building relationships with stakeholders.
The chair noted there would be refreshments after the meeting and reminded members of a budget meeting scheduled for 5:00 p.m. The special meeting then adjourned.
The appointment concludes the consultant-led search launched after the district’s previous superintendent announced retirement. Board minutes or the district’s official posting should be consulted for the formal contract and any additional administrative details.
