Leadership Launch (from Lisa)
Thanks for participating in the Leadership Launch sessions. Across Operational Departments, feedback comments clustered into several clear themes. Overall, the feedback is quite positive, with Science of Hope, connection, operational relevance, and the overall structure emerging as strengths.
Themes of Appreciation
1. Science of Hope & a Positive, Purposeful Message
This was the strongest recurring theme. Participants appreciated the emphasis on hope, growth, positivity, and moving from hope to action. There was also appreciation for acknowledging the difficulty of recent years while focusing on a constructive path forward.
2. Connection & Relationship Building
Participants valued opportunities to connect with other leaders, put names with faces, spend time with their own teams, and interact with colleagues across the district. The connection activity was specifically mentioned positively.
3. Greater Relevance for Operations
Several comments suggest this year’s Launch felt more intentionally designed for Operations. Participants appreciated operational updates, ERP information, safety/incident command, data and metrics, and discussions about systems and projects that support schools.
4. Strong Opening & Engaging Elements
The first-day keynote, student participation, equity activity, humor, and overall messaging were appreciated. Participants responded particularly well when the content felt engaging, authentic, and connected to the work.
5. Organization, Structure & Hospitality
There was appreciation for the improved structure for Operations, including the recovery day in the middle. Food, snacks, and drinks were also specifically praised. One participant described this as the “best so far.”
Themes for Improvement
1. Increase Participation and Reduce “Sit and Get”
The clearest improvement opportunity is to make presentations more interactive. Participants want fewer extended presentation segments and more opportunities to discuss, participate, move, process, and apply what they are learning.
2. Strengthen the Operations-Specific Experience
Although Operations participants appreciated being included with school administrators, there is still a sense that parts of Launch can feel disjointed for Operations. More intentional Operations-specific time and content could help address the different needs and responsibilities of operational leaders.
3. Move From Information to Application
Participants want more support translating ideas into action—particularly after identifying goals. This could include structured planning time, examples, tools, or facilitated team conversations about “What do we do with this information now?”
4. Improve Communication & Expectations Before Launch
At least one participant experienced significant confusion about the invitation, schedule, and required attendance. Clearer advance communication about who should attend, which sessions apply to whom, and when attendance is expected would help Operations staff plan around their ongoing responsibilities.
5. Create More Space for Celebration & Social Connection
Participants would like more recognition of the previous year’s accomplishments and additional informal opportunities to connect with colleagues. The social component could be strengthened so it attracts broader participation and feels distinct from the formal training environment.
Overall Takeaway
The feedback suggests that Launch is moving in a positive direction for District Operations. The strongest elements combined hope and purpose + relevant operational information + opportunities for human connection. The biggest opportunity is to build on that foundation by making the experience more participatory, more actionable, and even more intentionally designed around the unique needs of Operations leaders.
From KPIs to Department Design Plans
Last year, our Operations teams began shifting from task-based objectives toward more meaningful, measurable KPIs aligned with each department’s strategic priorities. That work challenged us to clarify what matters most, identify baseline data and meaningful benchmarks, and use evidence to monitor progress and continuously improve our work.
This year, we will build upon that foundation by developing department design plans that mirror the school design plans used across the district. These plans will connect each department’s purpose and strategic objectives with its KPIs, key strategies, professional development, data sources, and progress-monitoring cadence.
I apologize for the problems with the pdf fillable workbook functionality. We have someone assisting in the creation of this document along with a spreadsheet driven dashboard. Once the updated forms are shared with me, I’ll pass them along to Department Heads (Kim, Scott McD, Scott B and Doug) who will guide you through the process. Design plans are due by October 15th.
Beginning of School Year Breakfast
Please join us!
Closures & Relocations
The Brinson transition was one of our most significant operational accomplishments this summer. Our teams coordinated the relocation of REALMS Middle School to Buckingham and REALMS High School to Deschutes River High School, completed substantial renovations at both receiving sites, relocated the Safety and Custodial departments, and finished the required salvage, demolition, and restoration work at Brinson.
This work required exceptional coordination among Facility Development, Maintenance, Custodial, Grounds, Safety, IT, school leaders, contractors, and many others. With multiple projects moving simultaneously on a tight timeline, teams consistently problem-solved, adjusted plans, and supported one another to keep the work moving forward.
The successful transition reflects the planning, flexibility, and teamwork across our Operations departments. Thank you to everyone who contributed to preparing welcoming and functional spaces for our students and staff while bringing our work at Brinson to a successful close.
From new CHRO Tony Sanchez
Dear Bend-La Pine Schools Leadership Team,
As I begin my service as Chief Human Resources Officer, I look forward to partnering with you and supporting your schools, departments, and teams. To learn about your area, the BLS Culture, and how HR Team can best serve you, I will be scheduling a Listening Tour to meet many of you and learn. Miriam Maldonado my Executive Assistant, will be sending out meeting times. I look forward to those meetings.
Also, I wanted to take the time to inform you of a temporary change. Ryan Kelling will be out on leave starting Monday, July 20, 2026. During his absence, please direct HR Leadership questions and requests to the following [email protected]
The HR Leadership team will share responsibilities as follows:
- Administrator services and related matters: Tony Sanchez, Chief Human Resources Officer
- Certified and classified recruitment and staffing: Susan Rodriguez
- Leaves, benefits and employee relations: Triz de la Rosa, HR Director
Our team remains committed to providing responsive, consistent, and seamless HR services throughout this period. Should any of these arrangements change, we will communicate those updates promptly.
Thank you for your partnership. We look forward to supporting you.
Policy & Advocacy (Kinsey)
At Leadership Launch, I shared that new state laws require school districts to provide one hour of training for all employees on immigration enforcement, ICE activity at school activities, and related policies. Because much of the state’s guidance also addresses confidential student information, we’re going to combine these topics into one required training. This will allow us to cover FERPA and confidentiality in communications and records alongside the new immigration protocols in a more integrated way.
We’ll provide the training materials soon, along with a few options for delivery. The one-hour training will include 30 minutes of asynchronous learning and 30 minutes during a staff meeting.
Action needed now: Please reserve 30 minutes at a staff meeting between Sept. 1–30. More details and materials are coming soon.
Safety: Oregon Health Authority Updates Guidance for Outdoor Activities
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has updated its guidance for youth outdoor activities during wildfire smoke and poor air quality events. The new guidance recommends protective measures at lower AQI levels than in the past.
Under the previous guidance, most outdoor activities could continue through an AQI of 150, with modifications focused primarily on students with underlying health conditions. Moving or canceling all outdoor activities was generally reserved for AQI levels above 200.
The updated guidance recommends:
- AQI 51–100: Use added caution for students with health conditions and for activities lasting four hours or longer.
- AQI 101–150: Limit the intensity of outdoor activities for all students. Consider moving activities indoors or canceling them when the intensity or duration cannot be reduced.
- AQI above 150: Cancel outdoor activities or move them to an area with safer air quality.
As a result, schools should expect more recesses, lunches, physical education classes, athletic practices, field trips, and other activities to be moved indoors during periods of wildfire smoke—particularly when the AQI exceeds 150.
The updated BLS guidance will be shared with staff and posted on the district website in the next few weeks. Let’s remember our obligations to present high heat and wild fire training to our Ops staff who work outside. Reach out to Andrea Wilson for updated training material.
25-26 Evaluation clean up Reminder (From Triz)
Please remember to update any outstanding documentation required in your google drives from the lists that were shared with you last week at launch. We will be closing those google folders soon to prep for the new year. We appreciate all the great work you did with utilizing this system and we look forward to providing an even better tool for the coming year. Everything must be uploaded by end of day Friday, August 21, 2026.
OEBB Open Enrollment Happening Now! August 15 – September 15.
This applies to all insurance-eligible employees and affects coverage from October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027.
LEARNING & HELP OPPORTUNITIES
- One-on-One Support: The Benefits Team offers phone, in-person or virtual meetings – book your appointment here
- August 19 from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: OEBB & Plan Providers Virtual Meeting – register here
- Can’t attend the virtual meeting? Recordings can be found here.
- August 20 from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: On-Site Help Session at Summit
- August 24 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM: On-Site Help Session at Mountain View
- August 25 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM: On-Site Help Session at Ed Center
- August 26 from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: On-Site Help Session at La Pine High School Library
Where to Enroll: Enrollment must be completed online at www.OEBBenroll.com by midnight, September 15.
Communication Guide
We have a lot of different ways to connect with our community. Please follow these guidelines for each audience.
- For Ops-only messages: Send a ‘blog update’ email to Paul as needed
- For school-based administrators and office managers: Send items for elementary (Karen/Tammy) & secondary (Stephen/Katie) by noon on Thursdays
- For all BLS Staff: Communications has changed the monthly Staff Spotlight message, to a weekly message. If you have something “big or small” that you would like added to the message, please send it to Scott/Becca before the end of the day on Fridays.
- For families: Email Scott M and Becca as needed for all parent/guardian/student relevant information and they will put it in the next monthly Family Spotlight
Please don’t hesitate to use these communications tools to celebrate the great work that your department staff are doing.
Departments
Facilities
- Brinson, Buckingham and DRHS: Thanks to our teams for exceptional collaboration in this complex move. Brinson lease termination documents have been executed. Our maintenance and custodial departments continue their work at DRHS and Buckingham preparing for the start of school.
- FDO: The Sites and Facilities process is underway for Ops and, in the next few weeks, schools will receive their notice to begin their process. Summer projects are winding down as we get closer to the start of school.
- Sustainability: Welcome to Noelle Bell Copley as our new Sustainability Operations Manager. Noelle led a tour of Hayden Homes zero waste initiative with BLS staff, green team students and a couple of school board members a week ago. She will be meeting with all School Board members in the next few weeks, attend a Cabinet meeting on August 26th and a Learning Council meeting on September 16th. Our goal is the have sustainability infused across all schools and departments in significant and measurable ways.
Transportation
- Route information is live! Parents may download the MyRideK12 app to look up student route information. Be sure to check back over Labor Day weekend, as routes will continue to update as more students register- times MAY change.
- We are currently in the hiring process for Keith’s position
Safety
You can find the Safety Department in Room 236 of the Ed Center (across from the 2nd floor men’s restroom).
To Do’s
Last Year’s Evaluations: Be sure to complete all steps communicated to you by HR for incomplete evaluations for 2025/26 by the end of day TODAY, 8/21.
Breakfast Sign Ups: Sign up for 7 breakfasts here
Monthly All BLS Admin Sessions: These monthly meetings have been added to your Outlook calendar. Clear all conflicts now and do not schedule meeting on top of those dates/times. Vacations, sick days and approved leave are the only reasons to miss one of these sessions.
Blogs and/or Weekly Staff Updates: I’d like our Operational leaders to regularly utilize district communications tools to keep our communities informed of the work that we are doing.
Immigration Training: Reserve 30 minutes at a staff meeting between Sept. 1–30. More details and materials are coming soon.