September Superintendent's Message

As we begin this new school year, I’d like to revisit the analogy I shared with you at our Back to School Event: a skilled pilot guiding a plane through turbulence. Just as a pilot stays steady through unexpected winds and shifting conditions, educators across the state and country are navigating unprecedented challenges as federal and state budget reductions cut deeply into resources, staffing, and essential programs. Yet one thing remains constant — the needs of our students. They deserve our best, no matter the conditions.

Welcome to the third season of Leaders Build Leaders with Dr. Coakley! This season, we’re taking an inside look — engaging directly with MESD leaders to highlight the incredible work happening across our organization.

September is both National Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month — a time to honor the courage it takes to heal, the importance of prevention, and the vital role schools play in supporting students’ mental health and well-being.

For this episode, I met with Todd Nicholson, Principal of Rivercrest Academy — one of only two recovery high schools in Oregon, and part of Multnomah Education Service District. Rivercrest is a place where students can continue their education while receiving the daily recovery support they need to thrive.

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This summer, MESD brought together our Cabinet, Administrators, Principals, and Board. These gatherings allowed us to receive training, collaborate, and plan with purpose—so when students walk into their classrooms, they feel welcomed, supported, and ready to learn.

Photo of Facilities Manager Antonio Sanchez handing over the key to Knott Creek principal Noa Martinson

The Facilities Department has been working hard to transition from the old Knott Creek location to the new Knott Creek campus. At the old building, the team's projects included preparing the building to end the lease, including patching holes, repairing, and repainting. At the new location, the team has focused on preparing the building to meet the requirements of ODE and of MESD programs, including installing a new chain-link fence, relocating a fire extinguisher, covering windows, moving furniture, and painting.

Additionally, Facilities installed a new chain-link fence and updated light fixtures and door seals at Helensview School. For an in-depth look at all of Facilities projects this summer, check out the School Projects document.

There’s nothing quite like the energy of our back-to-school event — it’s our official “takeoff” into the new year! Like a flight crew syncing up before a journey, we come together to align our mission, fuel our momentum, and chart the course ahead. There may be bumps along the way, but with the incredible talent and passion of our staff, I know we will navigate every challenge and reach new heights for our students.

It was great to see you at our 2025 Back to School Event. Thank you for making it another big success with your presence. A heartfelt thank you to Board Chair Katrina Doughty for being a fantastic MC, Marifer Sager, Heather Severns, Chantell Kaawa, Bernadette Adeniran, and Tessa Franzese for organizing this event.

It is my honor to share the 2025-26 all staff photo!

You can view all photos of the event here.

You can also watch my Back to School message to the MESD community here.

While we come into this school year with fewer resources, our path forward is clear, and we have some significant accomplishments to celebrate. Each of you — directly or indirectly — contributed to these successes, all of which align with our Strategic Plan, The Blueprint ‘28, and its three goals:

Creating High-Quality Learning Experiences for All
Building Systems that Engage and Empower Our Community
Building a Culturally Responsive Workforce

Equity and Continuous Improvement remain our compass, guiding every aspect of our work—from daily interactions to long-term planning. These priorities ensure that every student we serve has access to the opportunities they deserve. This year, we are sharpening our focus: equity and continuous improvement are the responsibility of all of us, in every role, every day.

At the heart of our Strategic Plan is a simple truth: we are here to serve ALL students. Every program, every partnership, and every decision we make is anchored in what will help them thrive — academically, socially, and emotionally.

And just as we care for students, we must care for each other. This year, we will continue to strengthen our focus on Care and Connection, encouraging wellness — both physical and mental — a priority for our staff and learning communities. When we take care of ourselves and each other, we are better able to meet the needs of our students.

Thank you for all that you do to make MESD a place of belonging, learning, and hope. I’m looking forward to all we will accomplish together this school year.

Dr. Paul E. Coakley
Superintendent
Multnomah Education Service District

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Navigating Through the Turbulence Navigating Through the Turbulence

Welcome Back! Welcome Back!

New Podcast Episode New Podcast Episode

Preparing for a New School Year Preparing for a New School Year

Summer Project Highlights Summer Project Highlights

Back to School Event Back to School Event

Blueprint ‘28 Blueprint ‘28