Tonight Bend-La Pine Schools’ Board of Directors unanimously voted to appoint Lora Nordquist, current Assistant Superintendent for Bend-La Pine Schools, to serve as interim superintendent for one year beginning July 1. The Board of Directors will resume the superintendent search in the fall of 2020. The board elected to suspend its superintendent search in light of complications due to travel and social distancing restrictions due to COVID-19.

“We are incredibly lucky to have Lora be able to step into this role,” said Carrie Douglass, board co-chair. “She matches the core competencies we wanted to see in a superintendent and possesses a relentless drive to do what is best for students.”

At Bend-La Pine Schools, Nordquist has served as Assistant Superintendent for 8 years and prior to that worked as Chief Academic Officer for Elementary Programs and as Curriculum Director for the district. Nordquist has her Doctorate from Lewis & Clark College and served as a classroom teacher for 22 years before moving into administration.

“I am thrilled to work alongside our board and tremendous staff as we continue to pursue excellence for each and every student in our district,” said Nordquist, who is also a grandmother of five current or future Bend-La Pine Schools students.