509-J School District

509-J School District

Jefferson County School District 509-J serves communities throughout the county, including Antelope, Metolius, Madras, Warm Springs, and Simnasho (north of Kah-Nee-Ta). Over 3,900 students were enrolled in kindergarten through 12^th grades at the beginning of the 1995-96 school year. For the past four years, the district has grown by about 3 percent a year, or roughly 90 students a year.

Unique in Oregon, District 509-J serves over 37 percent Native American children and 18 percent Hispanic children. This creates a rich and culturally diverse climate, which prepares all students to succeed in an emerging global community.

Students attend elementary schools in each neighborhood community within the county. Fifth- through eighth-grade students attend the new Jefferson County Middle School, which opened in December 1995. The high school in Madras serves students in grades nine through 12.

SCHOOLS:

All schools in District 509-J are governed by a five-person school board and administered by Superintendent Phil Riley and 12 administrators. The district employs 188 teachers and 165 support personnel, such as cooks, aides, bus drivers, etc.

Schools and grounds are shared with the community. Last year, school buildings were used over 1,200 times for youth basketball leagues, meetings, plays, concerts, musicals, carnivals, indoor and outdoor soccer, community college classes and more.

Teachers stay with the district, as evidenced by the very low staff turnover rate. This has developed strong continuity and excellence in both educational and sports programs. In addition, the 509-J School Board annually invests over $60,000 in staff training and education. Last year 38 percent of the teaching staff were at the top of the salary schedule, indicating superior education and preparation for teaching

The board also gives emphasis to maintaining small classes. A classroom of over 25 students is a rare exception to 509-J schools.