PHOENIX, Oregon – After a year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ravages of the Almeda Fire, Phoenix Talent School District Superintendent Brent Barry was named Oregon Superintendent of the Oregon Association of School of the Year “for 2022 appointed Executives (OASE) and the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA). The award also places Barry in the running for the National Superintendent of the Year Award from the American Association of School Administrators. COSA highlighted Barry’s leadership for the Phoenix Talent school community through the pandemic and Almeda fire that devastated both Phoenix and Talent, leaving about a third of the district’s students, staff and families homeless. “After the fire, most of the Phoenix Talent school buildings were inaccessible for weeks and the facilities in the school district were without electricity, telephone and internet,” said a statement from COSA. Nonetheless, Barry gathered his staff and figured out a way they could contact each family to see their welfare. The staff also worked on emergency calls, providing groceries, clothing, gift cards, voice services and handicap assistance for the fire . ” Survivors. “Within two weeks of the fire, the Phoenix Talent School District was able to begin online learning, including making hotspots and Chromebooks available to displaced families and employees – setting up an internet router in motels and RV parks, adding tutoring centers and internet -Connectivity sites across Rogue Valley. Staff went to the evacuation center for both emotional and educational assistance. The Phoenix Talent Schools Fire Relief Fund raised and distributed a total of $ 2 million to families displaced by the fire Barry has led the Phoenix Talent SD since 2017, when he was promoted from his role as Assistant Superintendent for Academic and Student Programs. Born and raised in Rogue Valley, he worked as a teacher in Oregon for years before becoming an administrator at Phoenix Talent School District when he became principal of Orchard Hill Elementary. Barry will be honored at the Oregon School Boards Association Convention in November 2021, the OASE Winter Conference 2022 in January, the AASA National Conference 2022 in February, and the COSA Annual Conference 2022 in June. “The extraordinary way Brent has dealt with the ongoing COVID pandemic made him a standout candidate for Superintendent of the Year – but it was his incredible leadership during one of the most terrifying events in the state’s history, the Almeda -Fire, the truth of Brent showed strength of character, “said OASE President Tim Sweeney, Superintendent of the Coquille School District. “Brent led his district through the flames, smoke, terror, and shocking aftermath of tragedy. He stood side by side with his students, families, staff, and the community, making sure that every student in his district had the opportunity to study. Students from the Phoenix Talent School District were evicted and spread across Rogue Valley, but it didn’t matter where a student was; Brent and his team found a way to meet not only their educational needs, but all of the needs that his suddenly homeless families were facing. Brent is eminently worthy of this honor, and we congratulate him on his great leadership. ”“ Superintendent Brent Barry is a consistent, calm, and compassionate leader who strengthens the resilience of students, employees, families, and the community, ”said Scott Beveridge, ESD -Superintendent from southern Oregon. “At a time when 30% of students were displaced overnight by wildfire amid the effects of COVID 19, Brent offered PTSD to serve as a pillar for coordinating community emergency resources while promoting the socio-emotional health of families and families academic success. “” During the challenges of last school year, Brent Barry has led our district with honor, clarity and calm, “said Assistant Superintendent Tiffanie Lambert, who nominated Barry for the award.” The pandemic and wildfire have grown disproportionately large our Latinx communities, and Brent continues to stand up for our unheard patrons. He continues to uphold the principles of justice and actively works to break down language barriers and barriers. “Michael Campbell, vice chairman of the Phoenix Talent Schools Committee , agreed: “Brent Barry is an exceptional one I am a leader and an even better person who fosters a culture of caring, compassion, and relentless commitment to student success. In the face of unspeakable challenges, Brent has a shining example of how we balance community responsiveness with our core mission of raising children. Today we take a moment to pause and celebrate Brent on this tremendous honor. He definitely deserves it. ”
[ad_2]
