It is my great honor to welcome you all to the 2021-22 school year for Bend-La Pine Schools. My name is Steve Cook and I am proud to serve as your new Superintendent.
For schools, September is always a time for new beginnings. That fresh start feeling is particularly strong this year as we put a long, tumultuous year in the rearview and join together with a renewed sense of optimism and hope. I am excited to start this new chapter alongside our community and create a year filled with learning, growth and connection.
During this first year together, I look forward to getting to know our community and begin to grow deep roots and forge strong connections. I know those deep roots take time, but I know a good way to start is to share a little about myself.
I am coming to Bend-La Pine Schools from Coeur d'Alene Public Schools in Idaho, where I served as Superintendent. My wife, Stephanie, and I have three grown children and a new rescue puppy. I am passionate about public education, having spent my life dedicated to serving schools and students. I spent 13 years as a teacher, 12 years as a building administrator, and am beginning my eighth year as a district administrator.
As a longtime educator, I believe strongly in trying to follow the Platinum Rule: treat others the way they want to be treated. In our schools, this means creating an environment in which every kid feels welcome, starting with small steps that can make a huge difference: Every kid gets eye contact, every kid gets a smile; and every kid hears their name used in a positive way. I also believe in holding students to high expectations where we won't accept anything less from them than their very best. When we have an anchor in great relationships, we can ask for great things.
I am honored to serve as your Superintendent and take seriously the responsibility of serving our 33 schools, more than 18,000 students and 2,000 staff members. I believe in our students, our staff and our community. Together, I believe we can forge strong connections and build even stronger schools.
I look forward to this fresh start and am optimistic for our future, together.
Dr. Steve Cook
Bend-La Pine Schools, Superintendent