Civil Municipal - June 2024

home to the Klamath Tribes. However, the district’s remote location presents challenges in recruiting and retaining staff. The nearest community, Medford, requires navigating a mountain range or a 140-mile drive to Bend. The isolation necessitates that most of the workforce be locally sourced, considering the sustainability of job positions. The district has decided not to rely on federal ESSER funds for hiring, ensuring stable staffing levels with sustainable state funding. The approach has placed the district in a favorable financial position, particularly compared to other districts facing declining enrollment. CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION Henley High School, always proactive in meeting student needs, identified a need for a dedicated Career and Technical Education (CTE) coordinator to support its various programs. Adam Randall, Career and Technical Education Coordinator, a former math teacher with a background in CTE, was hired as a full-time coordinator. The successful initiative, which started as a pilot program, has since expanded to other high schools, ensuring equitable resources and opportunities across the district. Szymoniak’s tenure, which began in 2018, included implementing a comprehensive strategic planning process involving community stakeholders. The collaborative effort aligned the community’s values and goals with the district’s strategic initiatives. The planning coincided with introducing the Corporate Activity Tax, channeling new funds into education through the Student Success Act and Student Investment Account. The funds provide the district with resources to address needs like enhanced social-emotional support and expanded counseling services. DATA-DRIVEN PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT Randall highlights the district’s data-driven approach to building programs and partnerships, aligning efforts with the district’s strategic goals and the Southern Oregon regional needs assessment. This assessment identifies key industries needing workers, including medical science, construction, manufacturing, and education. 181 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 06 KLAMATH COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT