Miller-Jones to retire Jan. 1 as OSBA Executive Director

Betsy Miller-Jones, executive director of the Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA), publicly announced her retirement Monday, effective Jan. 1, 2017.

Miller-Jones, 62, who has held the position since January 2012 (she was interim for one year before being made permanent in January 2013), said she is retiring to spend more time with family. Before being named executive director she spent seven-plus years at OSBA in board development, traveling around Oregon to train school board members on issues such as roles and responsibilities.

"OSBA is a very strong organization with excellent leadership, a superb staff and broad base of support," Miller-Jones said. "We have rallied our members and our communities around support for public education through the Promise of Oregon campaign. We have been a strong voice for our members' priorities, including reform of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and increased state investment in public education. Our services to school districts, education service districts and community colleges have strongly supported the work our local boards do to increase student achievement. As I prepare to leave the association, I do so with confidence that OSBA is in great shape to advocate for our students and members through the many challenges ahead."

Dr. Doug Nelson, OSBA president, praised Miller-Jones for her leadership.

"Through Betsy's persistence, grit and common sense, together with the help of a strong staff and the guidance of the board, she has transformed OSBA into a solid and well-respected organization in Oregon. We owe Betsy a great deal of thanks for her dedication and hard work. We will miss her presence and guidance but know she will enjoy a wonderful retirement," Nelson said.

The OSBA Board of Directors has appointed an executive director search committee. Nelson said the committee will hire a search firm to develop a timeline and process so that the OSBA Board can hire a highly qualified candidate and ensure a smooth transition in leadership by Jan. 1, 2017. The process will include input on the qualities and qualifications of the next executive director provided by the OSBA board, staff and other partners and members, he added.

OSBA is a member services organization for more than 200 locally elected boards serving school districts, education service districts and community colleges. It also provides services to charter schools and their boards.