Grants Pass School District 7 has received state summer learning funding to support literacy, enrichment and school readiness programs for students. The funding will help continue Kinder Camps, launch Literacy Quest for invited elementary students and support a 5th- to 6th-Grade Transition Academy in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley.

Oregon Tech students earned multiple top honors at America’s Innovate IT Collegiate Conference, including first place in the Analyze IT Challenge and additional recognition in cybersecurity and troubleshooting events. The national competition tested students through real-world information technology, cybersecurity, data analysis, and problem-solving challenges.

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.

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.

Ashland Police, the Ashland School District and Ashland Rotary partnered for the Ashland READS program, a literacy celebration for local first-grade students. The event included new books for students, a high school percussion welcome and a community BBQ served with help from Ashland Police officers.

Student entrepreneurs at Oregon Tech competed for startup funding during the 2026 Catalyze Klamath Challenge, where $20,500 was awarded to help turn product ideas into real businesses. Winning concepts included a patented deck vacuum attachment and a fog-eliminating dental mirror.

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.

Conger Elementary third graders explored Moore Park through the Klamath Outdoor Science School, learning forestry, ecology, wildlife habitats, and how to estimate a tree’s age by counting its rings.

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.

Nearly $48.7 million in federal Secure Rural Schools funding is headed to Oregon counties, with Southern Oregon communities receiving some of the largest allocations in the state. Douglas, Klamath, Jackson, and Josephine counties are among the top recipients.

Southern Oregon University will increase tuition and fees by nearly 5% next year for in-state undergraduate students, the maximum allowed without additional state approval. According to reporting by Jefferson Public Radio, university leaders say tuition hikes alone will not solve broader financial challenges tied to enrollment declines, rising costs, and limited public funding.

Construction is underway on the new North Medford High School gym, with early work completed and major structural progress expected by the start of the next school year. The rebuild follows the collapse of the original facility and aims for full completion by late 2027.

Klamath Falls City Schools and its classified employees union have reached a tentative agreement following mediated negotiations, with both sides highlighting a collaborative process focused on supporting staff and students. The agreement remains subject to union ratification and school board approval.

Oregon Tech has received a $310,000 funding increase to expand its User Experience certificate programs, supporting scholarships, industry tools, and summer training opportunities. The grant will fund 66 full-tuition scholarships and provide students access to professional UX software used in the field. Officials say the program is designed for working professionals, career changers, and students looking to build practical UX skills.

Klamath Community College has named Lucas Ritter as its new Vice President of External Programs. Ritter is a Klamath Falls native and longtime Air Force officer who will begin the role May 4. College officials say he will oversee outreach, grants, and workforce initiatives.

Grants Pass School District 7 has named longtime educator Jason Garcia as the next principal of Grants Pass High School. Garcia will begin leading the school on July 1.

The second annual Global Engagement Forum at Klamath Community College brought together students, educators, and community members to explore the benefits of international exchange programs. Speakers highlighted the value of cultural intelligence, global collaboration, and the role international students play in strengthening the local economy.

Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram has donated a two-year lease of a Ram 3500 truck to Oregon Tech to support engineering students traveling to competitions and industry events.

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.

Klamath County School District Human Resources Director Jamie Ongman received the Patriotic Employer Award for supporting employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve.