Ashland School District Appoints New Superintendent Amidst Fiscal Issues

ASHLAND, Ore. — Replacing retiring Superintendent Samuel Bogdanove, Ashland school district in Southern Oregon appointed Dr. Joseph Hattrick on Tuesday night. The preferred choice of the Ashland School Board, the decision was made as the district experiences a shrinking student population and staff cuts.

Ashland School District’s Financial Challenges

Managing the district’s 400 staff members and an annual budget of $38.7 million, while supporting around 2,600 students across several schools, the appointment was made as the Ashland School District grapples with having fewer students enrolled than in past years, complicated by financial challenges. The $3 million decrease in state funding corresponds with approximately 300 fewer students than in 2017.

The school board approved the process to lay off certain staff to address a $1.3 million budget deficit earlier this month. Board members indicated during Tuesday’s meeting that they were happy about Hattrick’s financial experience, as he has previously managed struggling districts.

Hattrick comes to the district from his position as the superintendent of Rainier School District where he’s been posted for almost four years. His annual salary will be $193,000 in terms of the contract that was approved by the board.

New School District Superintendent Appointed

Board member Russell Hatch confirmed that Hattrick has worked in districts that were over-extended, reaching a stage where they were required to freeze spending and hiring on a regular annual basis. Hatch said that Hattrick was able to turn those schools around and bring them to a surplus. Board Chair Rebecca Dyson said that the Community Interview Panel- which interviewed all superintendent finalists, rated Hattrick as their top choice.

At the meeting, Hattrick said that he noted that he is looking forward to serving where he intends to ensure excellence and belonging for every student and that the board takes their role as stewards of the community seriously. He expressed the hope that the district would continue to inspire learning and curiosity for every person walking through the doors. He was also praised by board members as an LGBTQ rights champion- with financial know-how, as well as a strong ability to foster community spirit and promote mental health.

With over 60 applications for the job, the board whittled the pool down to a handful of finalists, and Hattrick will start this July.

Hattrick said in a news release after the vote, “I am deeply humbled and honored to have been selected to join the Ashland School District as your next superintendent.” He thanked the Ashland School Board and other stakeholders for all of the hard work and trust in the process.