Betty Palmer continues to serve Baker SD5J in retirement
By Logan Bagett on Friday, December 5th, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY — In November, it was reported that Betty Palmer had received recognition from Baker School District 5J for her years of dedication to the district and its students. In a follow up to that release, here is a closer look at Betty’s career in education.
Lindsey Bennington McDowell, Executive Board & Communications Coordinator for Baker School District 5J, shared some information with our newsroom. According to Betty’s bio, “Her career in public education includes many years as a classroom teacher (Gr. 5 and 6), TAG instructor (Kg-Gr. 8), Director of Gifted Programs (La Grande School District, 8/1998 – 6/2004), building administrator (Haines, South Baker), and Interim and Assistant Superintendent roles.
Throughout her years working in Gifted Education, Betty served on statewide committees for Gifted Education (OATAG, State TAG Planning Group, Destination Imagination), worked hand-in-hand with Oregon Department of Education to develop technical support documents for school districts and served as co-chair of the Eastern Oregon Regional TAG Advisory Council. In addition, Betty has served on statewide committees and legislative workgroups addressing a variety of school issues.”
The following is a look at Betty’s years with Baker School District:
8/30/1978 – 6/1980 North Baker 5th Grade (2 years)
8/21/1989 – 6/1998 Title I & Math (Brooklyn, SB & NB) (9 years)
8/24/2004 – 6/30/2020 Haines Teacher & Principal, SB Principal & (11 years)
7/2015 – 6/30/2020 Assistant Superintendent (5 years)
McDowell wrote, “In ‘retirement,’ Betty has continued to serve Baker School District up through the present day whenever a need arises. She temporarily fills in for Admin when they need to take leave, served as Interim Superintendent before Superintendent Hallgarth started on July 1, 2024, and helps write many successful grant applications for BTI, to name a few.”
McDowell mentioned that the Baker School District 5J Board was honored to present Betty with an Excellence Award at their regular monthly meeting on November 18.
