A Message from Baker School District to students, families, staff, and community
By Garrett Christensen on Saturday, October 17th, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
BAKER CITY — (Press release from Baker School District)
Dear Baker School District Families and Community Members,
Our hearts are heavy following the tragic school shooting in Bend, Oregon. On behalf of Baker School District 5J, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to the students, families, educators, and entire Bend community who have been impacted by this heartbreaking event. When something like this happens in one of our Oregon schools, it affects all of us. As educators, parents, and community members, we share in their grief and stand alongside them during this incredibly difficult time.
I also recognize that this tragedy has had an impact right here in Baker. Events like this bring forward emotions, questions, and concerns about the safety of our own children and schools. As a parent and superintendent, I understand those concerns, and I want our families to know that we take them seriously.
Our first priority, today and every day, is the safety, security, and well-being of our students and staff.
In response to this tragedy, we are taking additional steps throughout Baker School District 5J to provide reassurance, support, and a safe learning environment for everyone.
Increased Safety and Law Enforcement Support
We are working closely with our local law enforcement partners, including the Baker City Police Department, Baker County Sheriff’s Office, and our School Resource Officer (SRO), to provide additional support and visibility around our schools.
Our SRO continues to be an important part of our school community, building relationships with students and staff while helping us maintain safe learning environments. We appreciate the willingness of our local law enforcement partners to work alongside us and provide an additional level of reassurance for our families.
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Our district leadership team and building administrators are also reviewing safety procedures, building access protocols, and emergency response practices. We will continue to be proactive, communicate with our partners, and make adjustments wherever necessary.
Counseling and Emotional Support
We recognize that not every student or adult processes a tragedy in the same way. Some may have questions, others may experience fear or anxiety, and some may simply need someone to listen.
Our school counselors, building administrators, and student support teams are available throughout the district to provide additional guidance, reassurance, and emotional support.
We are asking our building leadership teams to be especially attentive to students and staff who may be struggling and to ensure that everyone knows where they can turn for help. Families who have concerns about their children are encouraged to reach out directly to their school’s counselor or principal.
We also encourage our staff to take care of themselves and one another. Our educators give so much of themselves to our students, and their well-being matters just as much.
Working Together as a Community
One of the greatest strengths of Baker is how our community comes together when it matters most. We look out for our neighbors, we support our families, and we take care of our kids. That commitment is especially important during times like these.
We ask our parents and guardians to take a little extra time to check in with their children, listen to their concerns, and remind them that there are caring adults at school and at home who are here to help.
We also ask everyone to remain vigilant and communicate any safety concerns directly to school administration or law enforcement. If you see or hear something concerning, please say something. No concern is too small when it comes to protecting our students.
Additional Resources for Students and Families
● School Counselors and Building Leadership: Contact your child’s school directly for assistance or support.
● Baker City Police Department and Baker County Sheriff’s Office: Available to assist with school and community safety concerns.
● 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential support, 24 hours a day. ● SafeOregon Tip Line: Call or text 844-472-3367 or email tip@safeoregon.com to report school safety concerns.
Moving Forward Together
I want to reassure our families that we will continue to evaluate our practices, strengthen our partnerships, and do everything within our ability to provide a safe, caring, and supportive environment for our students and staff.
Our district’s commitment to One Team, One Mission: Flying the Baker Flag Together is more than a statement. It is about how we show up for one another, especially when things are difficult. It means taking care of our students, supporting our employees, communicating openly with our families, and working alongside our community partners.
We cannot always control what happens in the world around us, but we can control how we respond, how we prepare, and how we take care of one another.
Thank you to our families, staff, law enforcement partners, and the entire Baker community for your continued trust and support. Please keep the Bend community in your thoughts as they navigate the days ahead.
Together, we will continue to look out for one another and keep our students at the center of everything we do.
Sincerely,
Casey Hallgarth, Ed.D.: Superintendent, Baker School District 5J
Jessica Dougherty: School Board Chair
Barry Nemec: SPED Director, Head of Counseling
One Team, One Mission: Flying the Baker Flag Together
