The Oakridge School District announced Monday evening that the investigation into their superintendent has been completed and the results are available by request.
The investigation, conducted by former deputy state superintendent Rob Saxton, is in response to a complaint made about Superintendent Reta Doland. This was also during the time when Oakridge parents and teachers were advocating for the removal of the superintendent due to working conditions during the pandemic. This specifically refers to Doland requiring teachers to work from inside their classrooms while teaching remotely.
But the district did not provide any updates on what the investigation included.
Oakridge school board chair John Weddle says the report doesn’t contain information about specific personnel concerns because those matters are confidential.
“However, the board asks that any employee with a personal situation or concern to bring the matter up directly themselves using the district complaint procedure,” said Weddle. “The board has responded individually to two current or former employees who did submit their personal complaints.”
Weedle said the report does not address disagreements that were the subject to collective bargaining. Which means community member’s concerns about teachers being required to teach from their classroom may not be included since they held bargaining sessions in late-Dec.
“The agreement that was reached was ratified by the association and the board,” said Weddle. “While neither side may be completely happy with the eventual agreement, bargaining is all about compromise.”
“The bargaining process has been completed and is not subject to complaint against the superintendent. Those decisions were made by the board.”
Community members can request a copy of the investigation by emailing osdboard@ohswarriors.net.
The district will discuss the report at the next board meeting on Mar. 8 at 6pm. Doland, community members, and the board will be given an opportunity to provide a response to the report. The board will be able to take action, if any, during that time.
