Letter from Superintendent Steve Kelley
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Welcome to the South Umpqua School District, where the three distinct communities of Canyonville, Tri City and Myrtle Creek unite in one top notch school district. We are nestled near the South Umpqua River in the Umpqua Valley, our schools are surrounded by tree blanketed mountains and valleys. Our area offers an abundance of outdoor activities as well as Seven Feathers Casino Resort. We have strong ties to Southern Oregon’s farmers and timber industries. Our community businesses and patrons proudly support the South Umpqua School District. For example, our South Umpqua High School Booster Club annually raises over $75,000 dollars for our extracurricular activities. Established 5 years ago, our South Umpqua School District Foundation has raised over $354,700 for such projects as replacing a heating system, new audio systems in our three elementary Schools and new lockers at our high school. In September 2010, SUSD was named the Business of the Month by the Myrtle Creek/Tri City Area Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, SUSD is committed to community service and regularly participates and hosts community events.
The SUSD staff is dedicated to ensuring the success of EACH child. We believe it is important to see your child as the only student that we need to serve. The staff is committed to working together as well as with community partners to guarantee this success. Our School Board is a dedicated group of individuals that spend countless hours to make sure that staff and school are properly supported as we strive to meet the needs of 100% of our students. The Board is engaged in the research-based Lighthouse training. This board training teaches board members leadership skills that will continue to push the school district into higher and higher levels of student achievement. SUSD was one of three school districts in Oregon to be selected for this specialized training.
As a relative newcomer, in just my second year, I marvel daily at the caring and dedication our communities have for their children. Ours is a strong devoted school staff with a commitment to the right priorities. While my own two sons are grown and have escaped the nest, my wife and I would not hesitate to put our own children into this very fine community and school system. My promise to you is to treat your children like my own. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns about your children’s education.
Sincerely,
Steve Kelley
Superintendent