New Baker School District Superintendent speaks about her first board meeting

By on Tuesday, July 26th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

BAKER CITY – New Baker School District Superintendent Erin Lair attended her first school boarding meeting last week. Lair’s first day on the job was July 1st but her roots with Baker run deep.  Lair is a graduate of Baker High School and attended Baker schools from kindergarten thru her senior year, even teaching at Baker Middle School for three years.

Lair previously worked at Sherwood School District as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Technology.  And for Vision Charger School as Assistant Charger Administrator. 

Elkhorn Media Group staff was able to speak with Lair about her first meeting as Superintendent. 

(EMG) Thank you for joining me, Superintendent Lair. Let’s talk about some highlights from the school board meeting that took place yesterday evening.

(EL) Hi, Shannon. Our first school board meeting of the 2022-23 school year was preceded by a work session that included a review of the district’s current goals. 

These goals involve a transparent budget process, investment in facilities, experience-based learning, an effective talent management strategy, broad partnerships, and advocacy for policies and funding that benefit the district and serve the broader community.

During the regular board meeting, we also adopted a seventh goal that was developed by staff during the last school year. It is to “Develop students who are kind and caring life-long learners, respectful of the community and world around them, leaving school feeling confident and capable of success.”

How we practically realize these goals is such meaningful work.


(EMG) It sounds like the new school year is getting off to a great start. Is there anything else you’d like to share from the meeting?

(EL) This was my first board meeting as Superintendent of the Baker School District, and I am really excited to work with such an involved and caring board.

Our goals are aimed at improving the lives of our students, staff, families, and greater community; and that’s a really powerful motivator for me. This is going to be a great year.

Keep up to date on all things happening at the Baker School District at https://www.baker5j.org/