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Teachers and union leaders tell Vernonia board they want a collaborative, transparent superintendent
Summary
Classified staff and teachers urged the Vernonia SD 47J board to hire a superintendent who values staff input, respects collective bargaining and supports rural‑school working conditions; union leaders requested anonymous surveys and more staff involvement in screening and interviews.
Classified and certificated employees used the board’s listening session to outline priorities for the next superintendent, emphasizing collaboration, transparency and respect for bargaining agreements. Cameron Irick, an instructional assistant who said he is president of the OSEA union for classified employees, told the board an ideal superintendent would be “relationship driven, transparent, fair, and deeply respectful of all educators' voices and contracts.”
Multiple speakers echoed concerns about unilateral decision-making and retaliation. Juliet Seifier, a high school English teacher and union member, asked for clear, public expectations and help repairing “fragile trust.” Staff urged anonymous feedback mechanisms; the consultant and board agreed the survey would be anonymous and the data would go directly to GLS, which will present aggregated results to the board.
Board members and the consultant responded that staff ideas will be captured and considered for the recruitment flyer and screening criteria. The board also discussed including staff representatives on interview teams and ensuring classified staff have equitable representation during finalist stages.
