By Stephen Floyd
The Silver Falls School District (SFSD) has hired Kim Kellison, current superintendent of the Winston-Dillard School District, as interim superintendent effective July 1.
The SFSD Board unanimously approved a two-year contract with Kellison during a special meeting June 4, with the contract running through June 30, 2026.
Kellison told board members she believes SFSD can “move forward in a positive way” by prioritizing students and acknowledging the need for healing amid ongoing budget cuts.
“My commitment to the district is that I will always listen, and I will always act with integrity, and I will always try to do what’s best for kids,” said Kellison.
Though she does not officially start until July 1, Kellison said she was prepared to “hit the ground running” and start working with district and community leaders to transition.
Board Chair Jennifer Traeger said Kellison has a long history with rural districts and is “familiar with the unique strengths and opportunities of smaller communities like ours.”
“Her dedication to being visible, involved, and collaborative is exactly what is needed at this time,” said Traeger.
Submitted Photo
Open superintendent seat
Former Superintendent Scott Drue resigned suddenly March 13, citing challenges in his personal life. At the time the district was learning more about a deepening budget deficit including a $1.3 million cash shortfall that threatened June payroll.
To correct overspending and restore depleted reserves, the district is cutting $8.8 million from next school year’s budget. This included the elimination of more than 90 employee positions in late May, and could include additional reductions in staffing, programs and facilities ahead of a June 30 budget deadline.
Joe Morelock, superintendent of the Willamette Education Service District (WESD), became interim superintendent for SFSD April 3 through a contract with WESD that lasts through June 30. To find a longer-term interim superintendent, SFSD began advertising for the position April 23.
Seven candidates were shortlisted and board members said June 4 Kellison quickly stood out.
“[Kellison] seemed like a great fit for us, and I think the most exciting thing is she’s excited to take on our situation, and that takes something special,” said Board Member Phil Weisner.
Kellison’s qualifications
Since 2022 Kellison has been superintendent at Winston-Dillard, a small, rural district located 15 minutes south of Roseburg.
According to reporting by The News-Review, Kellison’s accomplishments included working with the community and alumni to preserve an historic mural at Douglas High School in 2022 during renovations. Kellison also secured a $426,701 federal safety grant this spring, and the district was just one of three in Oregon to receive the grant.
Winston-Dillard also has a K-8 program at Lookingglass Elementary School, similar to the K-8 systems at the majority of Silver Falls schools. Kellison said Lookingglass enjoys smaller class sizes and a greater level of involvement from families, and she sees why local residents would value such a format.
“I understand those settings are very attractive and people like those small country schools,” said Kellison.
Her prior administrative experience includes serving as director of teaching and learning for the Dallas School District from 2020 to 2022, vice principal at Dallas High School from 2017-2022, co-principal at Gervais High School from 2015 to 2017, and curriculum director for Eddyville Charter School for the 2013-14 school year.
She was also formerly a language arts teacher at Leslie Middle School, in Salem, as well as a social studies teacher for the McKenzie School District in the ’90s.
Kellison has also spent time as a Realtor, including from 2000 to 2010 as a broker with RE/MAX, and from 2010 to 2012 through her own real estate business, Kellison and Associates.
Why Silver Falls?
Board members said one of the reasons Kellison was a good fit was because she specifically wanted to live in Silverton.
Kellison told Our Town she has family in the area and has enjoyed visiting Silverton and experiencing the local culture.
“I love Silverton as a town,” said Kellison.
She said she even applied for an open administrator position in SFSD before joining Gervais in 2015 and was glad to finally be part of Silver Falls.
Kellison currently lives in Winston and said she is interested in buying a house locally, but added the real estate market in Silverton is not currently favorable to buyers. She said she owns a house in Monmouth and will likely live there and commute as she looks for the right home in Silverton.
Traeger said it was significant that Kellison “want[s] to be here” and how pleased the board is to have found a candidate who already feels a connection with the community.
Beyond 2026?
At the outset of the search for an interim superintendent, board members said they wanted to leave the possibility open that an interim hire could take on the role permanently. They said this could save the time and expense of a more in-depth search, which would likely involve paid consultants, while also retaining someone closely familiar with this period in the district’s history.
Kellison’s contract accounted for this possibility. Reportedly it was agreed sshe and the board will meet no later than Dec. 1, 2025, to discuss whether or not she should be offered the position permanently.
Traeger said this timeframe would allow enough time for both the board and Kellison to decide if she is a good fit for the district. If Kellison is not interested in staying with SFSD, Traeger said the board would initiate the search for a permanent superintendent at that time.
Traeger added she hopes this is a turning point for SFSD, evoking Silverton High School’s come-from-behind victory March 10 at the state girls basketball championship.
She said, just as Grace Hayashida’s three-point play sparked a comeback in the third quarter, she believes Kellison can help the district rally and regain momentum.
“Maybe this is our moment,” said Treager. “I think we’re hopeful, we’re extremely hopeful.”
