Southern Oregon & Northern California News
Latest local news from Southern Oregon and Northern California, covering Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass, Klamath Falls, Jackson County, Josephine County, Klamath County, Siskiyou County, Del Norte County, and communities throughout the region.
Shasta Elementary Opens $87,000 Playground Built With Community Support
Shasta Elementary students have a new place to play after the school celebrated the opening of an $87,000 playground project. Fundraising by the Shasta Elementary School Booster Club, donated work from local contractors, and volunteer help from parents and teachers made the new equipment possible.
Henley, Lost River Win $250K for Hands-On Career Programs
Henley High School and Lost River Jr./Sr. High School have each received $125,000 CTE Revitalization Grants. Henley plans to launch a hands-on cattle program, while Lost River will modernize its wood and metal fabrication shops.
KCSD Board Recognizes Retiring Superintendent
Klamath County School District Superintendent Glen Szymoniak was recognized during the June school board meeting ahead of his June 30 retirement, closing eight years of district leadership marked by financial stability, facility improvements, expanded student opportunities and record graduation gains.
Henley Wins at KidWind Worlds
Henley High School students returned from the 2026 World KidWind Challenge with two major honors, including a Wind Champion award for team Valley Breeze and an Innovation Award for Walker Crawford’s solo-entry turbine design.
Henley Students Build for the Birds
Henley fourth-graders built their own birdhouses last week with help from middle and high school construction students, turning a hands-on shop project into a cross-grade learning experience.
KCSD Selects Melissa Cole as Next Superintendent
The Klamath County School District Board of Directors has selected Melissa Cole as its next superintendent. Cole, a Klamath Falls resident and longtime educator with more than 25 years of experience, will succeed retiring Superintendent Glen Szymoniak and begin leading the district on July 1.
Henley Wins KCSD Iron Chef
The Henley Hornets won the second annual KCSD Iron Chef: Battle of the Schools after a full day of cooking, teamwork and competition at the Klamath County Fairgrounds. Student teams from Henley, Bonanza, Lost River, Mazama and the Klamath County Transition Program showcased their culinary skills with support from local chefs, educators and community partners.
Healthcare Pathways Grow In Klamath County
A group of southern Oregon school district superintendents and Asante Health representatives visited Klamath Falls for a closer look at a growing healthcare education partnership. The tour highlighted how local schools, Sky Lakes Medical Center and Klamath Community College are connecting students with classroom instruction, college credit and hands-on clinical experience.
Lockdown Lifted at Malin Elementary After Suspicious Activity Report
A precautionary lockdown at Malin Elementary School was lifted Tuesday after police responded to reports of individuals attempting to access secured doors. Authorities say no active threat was ever identified.
Growing Opportunities
Bonanza senior Brooklyn Latscha has helped transform the school greenhouse into a thriving student-led program focused on agriculture, business skills and hands-on learning for younger students.
Six State Titles, One Team
Henley High School students captured six state championships and qualified multiple teams for nationals at the SkillsUSA Oregon State Conference, highlighting the continued strength of the school’s Career and Technical Education programs.
KCSD Upgrades Bus Fleet to Propane
Klamath County School District has nearly completed a decade-long transition from diesel to propane buses, improving safety, reliability, and fuel savings across its transportation fleet.
KCSD HR Director Honored for Supporting Military Employees
Klamath County School District Human Resources Director Jamie Ongman received the Patriotic Employer Award for supporting employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve.
KCSD Superintendent Glen Szymoniak to Retire
Klamath County School District Superintendent Glen Szymoniak has announced his retirement effective July 31, 2026, concluding more than four decades in public education. His full, unedited Q&A reflecting on his career and the district’s future is included.
‘Pride, progress, and possibility’
Chiloquin students and community members celebrated the grand opening of the district’s new gymnasium with a blue-ribbon ceremony, cultural blessings, and a packed house ahead of basketball season.