PSD searching for HR administrator
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, February 14th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – For a number of years, the Pendleton School District has worked on hiring teachers and classified staff for the betterment of the students. Now, Superintendent Kevin Headings says the district is seeking an administrator to free up others from having to also deal with human resources.
Currently three administrators are dividing the HR job. Headings said that is having a negative impact on students.
“Comparing other districts our size in the state of Oregon and around the country, they usually have about six cabinet members or six directors in their district office,” Headings said. “Counting the superintendent, we have four.”
Matt Yoshioka is the district’s director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. He is also charged with handling human resources for certified staff. Julie Smith, who is the director of special programs, is in charge of HR for classified employees. Director of Business Services Michelle Jones also covers facilities HR duties in addition to dealing with budgetary issues.
Headings said teachers on the front lines have made it clear that the two educators need to free up more time to help in the classrooms.
“We’re here for our students,” he said. “We need a lot of Julie Smith for that. We need a lot of Matt Yoshioka for that.”
Headings said that they are currently advertising for the administrative position.
“We’re excited about that,” he said. “I was hoping to be able to add a director of human resources last year, but we feel like we can do that now. We have people applying for it right now and, hopefully, we can have someone on board by spring break.”
