Oregon’s new education leader visits Pendleton

PENDLETON – Oregon Department of Education Director Charlene Williams wraps up a two-day visit to Eastern Oregon today as she seeks to learn more about early learning programs. Yesterday, Williams met with students and staff at the Pendleton Early Learning Center and said she was impressed with what she saw.

“This important work, starting early, with a strong foundation and with such clarity and commitment from the members of this community, will pay dividends for years to come,” she said.

Today, Williams is visiting with superintendents at the Athena-Weston and Milton-Freewater School Districts, then stops at the Nixyaawii Community School. She wraps up the day with a listening session with InterMountain Education Service District staff.

“We still have quite a few schools to visit, and it won’t be my last visit,” she said. “I’m looking forward to coming back out here and seeing more. Right now, we’re staying in the early learning zone, and ideally, I’ll be able to see the full scope to K-12 and just learn more about how to better serve InterMountain ESD from the state level.”

Williams was appointed to serve as the Oregon Department of Education director and deputy superintendent of public instruction by Gov. Tina Kotek in July. In Oregon, the governor serves as the superintendent of public instruction. Williams brings 30 years of experience as a teacher and public school administrator, working in school districts of all sizes. She is the first Black woman in Oregon history to be appointed to the role.

From left: PELC kindergarten teacher Shellie Wyss and Department of Education Director Charlene Williams. MyCB photo by Dan Thesman

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Elkhorn Media Group

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