Statesman -Journal.com
1:36 p.m.
New director hired at Oregon School for the Deaf
May 24, 2007
A new director has been hired as director of the Oregon School for the Deaf, officials announced today.
Patti Togioka will oversee instruction at the school and manage day-to-day operations, Oregon Department of Education spokesman Gene Evans said.
Togioka will begin Aug. 1, 2007.
Most recently, Togioka has worked as assistant principal at McKay High School. Togioka also was principal at the Salem-Keizer Migrant Education Summer High School Program, CIM Coordinator, Special Education teacher, and TAG advocate.
Togioka taught ASL (English and bilingual) and developed curriculum at the Oregon School for the Deaf from 1980 to 1998. She has been involved in education for students who are deaf since 1974.
Togioka earned her bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from Gannon University in Erie, Penn. She earned her masters degree in special education of the hearing impaired from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.
State education officials began seeking a new director after Jane Mulholland was terminated from the school for the deaf in late December, a decision that angered many in the community.
Interim director Jay Gense was appointed to oversee day-to-day management of both the Oregon School for the Deaf and Oregon School for the Blind.
An advisory committee that provided input during the hiring process included:
* Oregon School for the Deaf parents: Eric Sundquist, Dale Campbell, Marsha Liebe
* Oregon School for the Deaf student: Cruz Saucedo
* Oregon School for the Deaf staff: Karen Trowbridge, Bill Cruscial, Judith Holtzinger
* School District representatives: Linda Felber, Salem Keizer; Sandra Gruhn, Tillamook
* Regional Programs: Robbie Weber, Columbia Regional Program; Eleni Boston, Willamette Regional Program
* State Advisory Council for Special Education: Roberta Dunn
* Oregon Association for the Deaf: Margi Morgan
* Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services: Bentley Fink
* Oregon School for the Deaf Alumni Association: Daniel Sloan
* Oregon Department of Education staff: Jay Gense, Colleen Carson
May 18, 2007
Superintendent Ignores Community Concerns
Proposal to Merge Two State Schools Moves Forward Without Process
Today Superintendent of Public Instruction Susan Castillo announced her intent to merge the Oregon School for the Blind (OSB) and Oregon School for the Deaf (OSD). The proposal comes even after strong opposition from teachers, parents and community members. The School for the Blind currently houses 30 students on the Salem campus but serves more than 400 students statewide. The School for the Deaf serves more than 100 students from around state. Both schools have been serving Oregon students more than 130 years.
“Throughout this flawed process, parents, educators and students have been ignored. The Department of Education was not interested in hearing from stakeholders,†said Charleen Hoiland, President of the State Teachers Association. “ We have been fighting to give our kids a voice. Today that voice has been silenced.â€
Opponents of the merge have consistently stated that the move would endanger the safety and educational opportunities for students without saving tax payer dollars. The fight has drawn national attention with the American Council for Blind and the National Federation of the Blind voicing their opposition to the merge.
“We are extremely disappointed that the Superintendent has ignored the concerns of parents and the community,†said Hoiland. “This move will do real harm to students.â€
Currently the legislature is considering a bill that would provide an increased voice for parents, teachers and other affected parties of the two schools. Senate Bill 757 would create an independent board, similar to a local school board. It would also enhance lines of communications between stakeholders and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) as well as create an appeals process.The bill is currently in the Joint Ways & Means Committee.
“Senate Bill 757 provides for a formal process for administrators, educators, students and parents to provide necessary feedback to ODE on how the schools are run,†said Hoiland. “This is critical because educators in the classroom and parents at home are best situated to understand the needs of these unique students.â€
The State Teachers Education Association represents 54 licensed educators who teach at the school for the blind and school for the deaf.
Blogger note: it’s a double whammy because of another position involving special education at the State Office of education is also vacant…. Linda Rutledge came from Idaho to take over from Dr. Lee Robinson.
Education briefs: Top position at state ed office is vacant
The Salt Lake Tribune
April, 9, 2007 12:25:13 AM MDT
A top position at the state Office of Education is vacant for the second time in less than two years.
Myron Cottam, the associate state schools superintendent, left the post last month.
He had been commuting from Escalante, where he retired as Garfield School District superintendent, to come to the USOE about a year ago, said Ray Timothy, deputy state superintendent of schools. Cottam oversaw the standardized testing, career and technical education, curriculum and instruction, special education and Title I programs.
He is now director of Escalante’s Turn-About Ranch for troubled youth.
Patti Harrington, Utah state schools superintendent, is conducting the search for his replacement. She hopes to announce her decision at the May board of education meeting, Timothy said.
Deaf, blind schools superintendent to retire
The superintendent of Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB) will retire this summer. Linda Rutledge, who led the organization for the past three years, will complete her last day of work on June 22, according to the letter she sent to the Utah State Board of Education.
The Utah State Office of Education will conduct a selection process and aims to recommend a replacement to the state school board at its June meeting. They hope to appoint a new superintendent by July 1, said Ray Timothy, deputy state superintendent of schools.
Nicole Stricker