News

With New Vocational Tech Building Complete, the Possibilities are Limitless for Alsea Students

November 2024

This month’s Education Expedition took us to Alsea, a small district of fewer than 200 students nestled along the Alsea River halfway between Corvallis and the coast. This summer, the community saw their bond project come to fruition with a new vocational tech building, fully equipped with state-of-the-art tools for welding, woodworking, and more.

Harmony Academy’s Success Paves the Way for Recovery High Schools in Oregon: A Model of Hope and Heart

October 2024

This month’s Education Expedition took us to Harmony Academy, a public, tuition-free recovery high school nestled in a tranquil grove of Douglas fir trees in Lake Oswego. We spoke with Dr. Tony Mann, Molalla River School District Superintendent and co-founder of the Oregon Recovery High School Initiative, alongside Harmony Academy’s Principal Sharon Dursi Martin, to learn about the roots of this pioneering school and the impact it’s making.

Thurston High School's Affinity Groups Lead Transformative Campus Culture Shift, Showcased in New Education Expedition Series

September 2024

In our inaugural episode of Education Expedition, we spotlight Thurston High School Principal Kimberlee Pelster, who shares how her school’s affinity groups ignited a transformative shift in campus climate—one where every student feels celebrated, supported, and truly seen.

Corvallis School District's Dr. Ryan Noss Named 2024-2025 Oregon Superintendent of the Year

Salem, Oregon- The Oregon Association of School Executives (OASE) and the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) have selected Dr. Ryan Noss, Corvallis School District, 2024-25 Superintendent of the Year. This distinguished recognition celebrates exceptional leadership and commitment to educational excellence. Dr. Noss is now in the running for the National Superintendent of the Year through the American Association of School Administrators (AASA).

Dr. Raeshelle Meyer Joins COSA as New Director of Professional Learning

Salem, Oregon- The Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) rounded out its team by naming Dr. Raeshelle Meyer as new Director of Professional Learning. Dr. Meyer comes to COSA with a wealth of experience and strong partnerships across the state, particularly in small and rural communities.

Charlie Bauer Recognized with Lau Leadership Impact Award

Salem, Oregon- The Coalition of Oregon School Administrators recognized Charlie Bauer with the Lau Leadership Impact Award last week at the 50th Annual Seaside Conference for his career work in advocating for migrant, bilingual and multilingual programs . The Lau Leadership Impact Award is selected by the Oregon Central Office Administrators Association (OACOA) for leaders who embody the dedication to meeting the needs of language learners and multilingual students.

Oregon High School Principal of the Year Awarded to Parkrose’s Molly Ouche

Parkrose, Oregon- Last week, Parkrose High School held an assembly where they recognized Principal Molly Ouche as Oregon’s High School Principal of the Year. This award is decided by the Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators and Ouche was nominated by Parkrose School District Superintendent, Michael Lopes-Serrao.

Oregon Middle School Principal of the Year Awarded to St. Helens’ Cris Gwilliam

St. Helens, Oregon- Last week during a staff meeting at St. Helens Middle School, Principal Cris Gwilliam was surprised with the announcement that he was the 2024 recipient of the Oregon Middle School Principal of the Year Award. Gwilliam was nominated by his superintendent for his outstanding leadership, collaboration and innovation in leading St. Helens Middle School through significant transitions over the last year.

Oregon Elementary School Principal of the Year Awarded to Chiloquin’s Rita Hepper

Chiloquin, Oregon- Last week, Chiloquin Elementary held an assembly where they recognized Principal Rita Hepper as Oregon’s Elementary Principal of the Year. This award is decided by the Oregon Association of Elementary School Principals and Hepper was nominated by Dr. Doris Ellison, Klamath County School District’s Director of Elementary Curriculum.

Jerome Colonna Honored with the COSA Lifetime Achievement Award

The Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) has named Jerome “Jerry” Colonna, retired school superintendent and lifelong educator, the recipient of the COSA Lifetime Achievement Award for 2024. Colonna was presented with the award by COSA Deputy Executive Director, Dr. Krista Parent on April 10th at his home in Bend, Oregon. Colonna is the first recipient of this award, and moving forward, it will be named the COSA Jerome Colonna Lifetime Achievement Award.

Coalition of Oregon School Administrators

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