MADRAS, OR — The Jefferson County-509J School District is looking to diversify its staff. Currently, one-third of students in the district are white, one-thirds are Hispanic and one-third are American Indian. District officials are working to improve the staff diversity, with help through Oregon State University scholarships for students from underrepresented populations.
Darryl Smith, Jefferson County-509J Human Resources and Operations Director, told KBNW News this effort will help young people grow and prosper.
"A lot of our students come from families that their parents don't even finish high school. So, having that role model in front of them, and working with them everyday, help inspires them to go on and do bigger and better things."
Smith said it can be challenging to fill openings across the District. He said he's hopeful after some time of this new program with OSU, they will see "home grown" teachers who return to Jefferson County and help raise the next generation of leaders.
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