PRINEVILLE, Ore. – The Crook County School Board held a special meeting on Monday evening, where members voted unanimously to enter into a separation agreement with Superintendent Dr. Melissa Skinner, who will be departing the district after just six months in the role. The agreement, valued at $265,000, provides Dr. Skinner with 12 months of salary and benefits. While district officials confirmed that Skinner had verbally agreed to the terms of the deal, they noted that she has not yet signed the agreement.

Skinner’s departure follows a period of controversy within the district, which included a student walkout in protest of the removal of Athletic Director Rob Bonner and the appointment of former school board member Jessica Brumble as the new transportation manager. The fallout from these changes led to the resignation of a second school board member, Cheyenne Edgerly.

In a statement, Board Chair Jenn Knight expressed gratitude for Dr. Skinner’s efforts in a difficult political climate. “I am truly sorry for how things ended with Dr. Skinner,” said board member Scott Cooper. “She stepped into a challenging situation and worked hard for the district’s success, and I always believed she had the best interests of the community at heart.”

As part of Monday’s meeting, the school board also voted to establish a committee tasked with reviewing applications for vacant board seats and recommending appointments. The committee will consist of 10 members, including Joanne Hemphill, Debbie Wood, Linda Pepper, and Kevin Bradley, who was appointed chair. Applications for board candidates are due by February 5, with a special meeting scheduled for late February to make final appointments.

Additionally, the board authorized Steve Holliday to negotiate a draft contract with Acting Superintendent Joel Hoff. The board is expected to review and potentially approve Hoff’s interim contract at its next meeting on February 10, or at a special session later in the month.

Board members expressed appreciation for the professionalism of district staff during the tumultuous period, with Cooper noting that they had “endured a difficult time” and remained committed to the success of the district.

As the Crook County School District looks ahead, it remains to be seen how the recent leadership changes will impact community trust and the district’s future direction.