A Note from the Superintendent

This week, I want to take a moment to celebrate our incredible food service staff. Since KFCS transitioned from a food service management company to a consulting model with WQS, our team has achieved remarkable results. We are now serving 20,000 more meals per month, an increase of approximately 1,000 meals every single day.

Through the professional development provided by WQS, our staff has significantly improved both the quality and variety of our menus, helping to expand and educate our students' palates. During my visit to Mills yesterday, the wonderful aromas coming from the kitchen were a true testament to their hard work and culinary skill.

Our food service employees are essential to our students' success. If you see a member of the team in our schools, please join me in thanking them for the amazing work they do every day to keep our students nourished and ready to learn.

Regards,

Dr. Keith Brown

Eagle Ridge New Tech and Klamath Union High School host 8th Grade Invasion.

Current 8th graders at Ponderosa Middle School will have a difficult decision to make when they decide which high school they want to be in next year.

The group of 8th graders were accompanied by their advisory instructors Thursday in a day full of seeing what it is like to be a student at Eagle Ridge and Klamath Union.

Student leaders at each high school led groups of the 8th graders as they boasted of the many CTE programs, clubs, activities, sports and classes Eagle Ridge and Klamath Union have to offer.

Big congratulations to our Klamath Union Robotics Team 25368F “Mech Masters” on an incredible showing at the State Tournament.

Going into the competition ranked 18th in the state, this talented team rose to the challenge and finished an impressive 5th overall in their very first year competing at the state level.

Even more exciting, they were honored with the Judges Award for Innovation in Engineering, recognizing their creativity, problem solving, and outstanding design work.

Team 25368F Mech Masters

Griffin Johnson

Chris Stromberg

Riley Rodgers

We are proud of the hard work, dedication, and innovation these students represent. The future of engineering at Klamath Union is looking bright.

Way to represent the Pelicans.

Klamath Falls City Schools staff enjoyed an early celebration of Pi Day at the KFCS District Office today, thanks to KFCS Administrative Assistant Christine Redford. Pi Day is traditionally celebrated on March 14 (3/14), representing the mathematical constant π (pi), often written as π = 3.14159265358979323846…, but because the date fell on a Saturday this year, staff gathered a day early.

Redford has made it her personal custom to bring the district together for Pi Day. After finishing her shift Thursday evening, she visited Fred Meyer, WinCo Foods, and Walmart to gather an impressive assortment of pies.

In total, Redford purchased more than 30 pies with her own money, creating a delicious spread for staff from around the district and the KFCS District Office to enjoy.

Redford's favorite part of the day is when the adorable Pelican Babies stop by. While the little visitors don’t partake in the pie, Redford makes sure they still feel included by handing out Goldfish crackers, Ritz crackers, and juice, giving the young guests their own special treats during the celebration.

The visit has become a special part of the tradition as two years ago, the Pelican Babies and their staff surprised Redford with a hand-drawn picture they made for her, which included footprints of every child from Pelican Babies from that year all shaped in the form of a pie.

The thoughtful drawing still hangs in her office as a reminder of the connection the young visitors have with her.

Thank you, Christine, for continuing this thoughtful tradition and making Pi Day a memorable and sweet moment for KFCS staff each year.

By Jefferson Public Radio

The number of Oregon high school students enrolled in career and technical education courses has grown by more than 15% over the past five school years.

Once a week, 18-year-old Eleanor Rodriguez starts high school at 6 a.m.

But instead of sitting at a desk and solving math problems at Klamath Union High School, she’s checking hospital patients’ vitals, helping them get dressed and monitoring how they’re doing.

She’s working toward 40 hours of clinical rotations as part of a new certified nursing assistant program.

“I could see it as like a pathway to my future goals,” said Rodriguez, who wants to work in neonatology. “It's also a really great way to get some real experience in high school, where I'm graduating with a skill that makes me employable.”

Students and families gathered at Roosevelt Elementary School on March 6 for a special attendance celebration called “Bagels with a Buddy.” The event, organized by Dean of Students Kjaersti Roberts, recognized students in grades 3 through 5 who achieved 95% or better attendance during the month of February.

Held in the school auditorium, the celebration invited students to bring a parent or guardian to enjoy breakfast together. Families shared an assortment of bagels, cream cheese, and juice while recognizing the teamwork it takes to maintain strong attendance.

“This incentive is about celebrating our students’ commitment to showing up every day,” Roberts said. “It’s also about recognizing that families play a huge role in helping students reach that 95% mark.”

In addition to breakfast, families found X-Plore activity cards on the tables to spark conversation and encourage meaningful connection.

Following the event, Roberts praised the Roosevelt team’s efforts, sharing, “This morning was amazing. I love ideas that come to fruition and blossom, and I am just thankful for all the staff at Roosevelt who helped make this morning as great as it was for everyone who took their morning to be with to be with their child.”

Media Statement

For Immediate Release Contact: Office of the Superintendent, Klamath Falls City Schools Date: March 13, 2026

Statement from Dr. Keith Brown, Superintendent, regarding KFACE Negotiations:

"Klamath Falls City Schools has received official notice that the Klamath Falls Association of Classified Employees (KFACE) has declared an impasse in our current negotiations. While an impasse marks a formal deadlock in the bargaining process, the District remains fully committed to reaching a fair and sustainable agreement for our valued classified staff.

We are encouraged that the union remains interested in utilizing mediation during the state-mandated 'cooling-off' period. The District intends to participate fully in these sessions to find a resolution.

Our goal remains to support our employees while maintaining the long-term fiscal health of our schools. We look forward to continued dialogue through the mediation process."

Regards,

KFCS Superintendent Dr. Keith Brown

Share Your Input on the Next Principal for Ponderosa Middle School

Dear Ponderosa Middle School Parents and Community Members,

We want to take a moment to thank Brett Lemieux for his leadership and service to Ponderosa Middle School and to wish him the very best as he moves into his new role in the district office.

As we begin the process of hiring the next principal for Ponderosa Middle School for the upcoming school year, we would like to invite your input.

Your feedback is important as we consider the qualities and characteristics we hope to see in the next principal. We encourage you to complete the survey linked below to share your thoughts and priorities. The survey will remain open through the end of the day on Tuesday, March 17.

ThoughtExchange link: https://tejoin.com/scroll/749207459

For your convenience, you may also use the above QR code to access the survey.

Your perspectives will help ensure that the hiring process reflects the needs of the Ponderosa school community and the leadership qualities that matter most to students, families, and staff.

Thank you for taking the time to share your input and for your continued support of Ponderosa Middle School.

Sincerely,

Fred Bartels

Director of School Improvement

Klamath Falls City Schools

Incoming Class of 2030

Future Pelicans, this night is for YOU.

Join us for Klamath Union High School’s Incoming 9th Grade Open House on Wednesday, March 18 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at KU.

Come explore everything KU has to offer and start finding where you belong. Meet coaches, advisors, and teachers while learning about:

• Athletics and sports teams

• Clubs and student activities

• Career and Technical Education programs

• Music, art, and world language electives

• Academic pathways and opportunities

Walk the halls, ask questions, and get excited about your future at Klamath Union High School.

We cannot wait to welcome the Class of 2030 to the Pelican family.

Klamath Union High School

Wednesday, March 18

5:00 to 7:00 PM

Go Pels.

Klamath Union track and field head coach Rob Coffman and the KU Track coaches are looking for volunteers to help at our upcoming home track meets. It’s a great way to support KU athletes and spend some time outside cheering on our students.

Meet Dates:

• Thursday, March 19

• Wednesday, April 9 (most help needed)!!!!

• Wednesday, April 29

If you’re willing to help, please reach out to Coach Coffman:

coffmanr@kfalls.k12.or.us

541-281-6466 (call or text)

Thank you for supporting KU Track & Field and our Pelicans!

Spring sports start Monday, March 2nd.

All student athletes must be fully registered in FinalForms to participate on day one.

Please make sure everything is complete before the first practice.

Let’s go Pels.

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As we move through the season when respiratory and communicable illnesses are more common—including RSV, Influenza A, strep throat, and other health concerns—we want to share guidance to help keep our students and school community healthy.

When to Keep Your Child Home

Please keep your child home from school if they have:

A fever of 100.4°F or higher (students should be fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning)

Vomiting or diarrhea (students should remain home until symptom-free for at least 48 hours, per local Public Health guidance)

A persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms that interfere with learning

A sore throat with fever and/or swollen glands until evaluated by a medical provider

Any illness that prevents them from participating comfortably in school activities

For illnesses such as strep throat, students may return to school after they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours, are fever-free, and are feeling well enough to participate.

Helping Prevent the Spread of Illness

Families can help reduce the spread of illness by:

Encouraging frequent handwashing with soap and water

Teaching children to cover coughs and sneezes

Keeping sick children home

Ensuring students get adequate rest and fluids

Keeping vaccinations up to date, when possible

Head Lice Education and Prevention

Head lice are common among school-aged children and are not related to cleanliness. They are spread primarily through direct head-to-head contact.

To help prevent head lice:

Check your child’s hair regularly, especially if they complain of itching

Avoid sharing hats, brushes, hair accessories, headphones, or helmets

Encourage children to avoid head-to-head contact during play

Tie back long hair when possible

If lice are found:

Begin treatment promptly using an approved lice treatment product

Use a fine-toothed nit comb to remove lice and eggs

Check and treat household members as needed

Wash clothing, bedding, and hats worn in the previous 48 hours in hot water and dry on high heat

Per Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Health Authority guidance, students do not need to be excluded from school. Treatment is essential to stop the spread of lice.

Bed Bugs Information

Bed bugs are small insects that may occasionally be found in homes or community settings. They are not related to cleanliness or hygiene and can happen to anyone. Bed bugs do not spread disease. 

Bed bugs are typically a home pest issue. Schools focus on monitoring and maintaining clean environments, but treatment must occur in the home if an infestation is present.

If bed bugs are suspected at home:

Contact a licensed pest control professional for guidance

Wash clothing, bedding, and soft items in hot water and dry on high heat

Reduce clutter where possible

Avoid sending unnecessary fabric items to school

Students are not excluded from school due to bed bugs. Our goal is to support families while maintaining student dignity and privacy.

If you have concerns or need assistance connecting to community resources, please contact your school health staff.

KFCS Board of Education

Andrea Jensen, Zone 1, Roosevelt - andrea.jensen@kfcityschools.org

Andrew Biggs, Zone 2, At-Large - andrew.biggs@kfcityschools.org

Vanessa Bennett, Zone 3, Conger - vanessa.bennett@kfcityschools.org

Kathy Hewitt, Zone 4, Mills - kathy.hewitt@kfcityschools.org

Trina Perez, Zone 5, Pelican - trina.perez@kfcityschools.org

Kelsey Bitzer, Zone 6, At-Large - Bitzerk@kfcityschools.org

Nicole Trejo, Zone 7 At-Large - Trejon@kfcityschools.org