Northwest Regional Education Service District
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Our community relations team offers technical assistance, networking and support to educational staff in the region who have a communications, advocacy or public relations role. We are available to assist with:
- Crisis response
- Student Investment Account community relations plans
- Translation and interpretation, including training on how to work with an interpreter
- Graphic design
- Messaging
- Advocacy and lobbying
- Convening and networking around regionally relevant topics
In addition to providing support to regional school districts, we help our departments, schools and programs provide critical information to our staff, families and other community partners.
Media Releases
Portland Educator to Lead Specialized School in Beaverton
The program, which is co-located on the St. Mary’s Home for Boys campus in southwest Beaverton, is home to about 50 students.
07/29/2025 1:38 PM
When Do Kids Start Learning to Read? It’s Not Kindergarten.
If you ask Aaliyah, an 8-year-old from Nestucca Valley, who inspired her to read, she’ll tell her it was her mom. “She gave me courage to read by myself,” Aaliyah says.
05/14/2025 10:55 AM
Nominate an Outstanding Teacher in Your Life
You know the one. The teacher who changed your life. They helped you accomplish a big goal. They believed in you. Sometimes, you still hear their voice in your head when you need guidance.
01/24/2025 2:08 PM
This Is What An Inclusive Partnership Preschool Looks Like
On Tuesday, Sept. 12, Northwest Regional Education Service District’s Board of Directors will recognize Amazing Minds Child Development Center for its efforts to create inclusive preschool opportunities for children experiencing disabilities.
09/11/2023 8:30 AM
Get a District-by-District Snapshot of Our Work
Districts around northwest Oregon receive dozens of services from Northwest Regional Education Service District every year. Every year, we report back to every district’s school board about the services the district received the previous year.
04/03/2023 4:47 PM
2023-24 Local Service Plan Approved
Local service plans are a required document for all education service districts in Oregon. The plan lays out the 92 services we will provide to the school districts in our region during the year ahead and must be approved by at least two-thirds of our partner school districts.
03/31/2023 4:20 PM
An Optometrist Apart: Blending Vision Care with Pediatrics and Education
When it comes to helping the 775 children in Oregon who experience low vision, there's only one optometrist assessing their vision and then recommending which aids and techniques to use when attending school. Meet Dr. John Lowery, an optometrist and professor at Pacific University.
03/16/2023 7:58 AM
Regional Inclusive Services Program Makes Inclusive Education Possible
“We’re still people," says tenth grader Sophia Dirks. "We still can do things by ourselves and live independently, but we need help learning to get there.” Sophia lost her vision at age 9 and has received specialized vision services through Regional Inclusive Services since that time.
03/08/2023 3:40 PM
Stacy Rager to Serve as our Next Executive Director of Early Learning
Stacy Rager, our Columbia Service Center administrator, will be the next executive director of early learning at Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) beginning July 1.
02/10/2023 10:59 AM
$50 Million in Grant Funding Available to Community Organizations That Offer Summer Programs
The Oregon legislature recently committed $50 million in funding for summer enrichment programs through House Bill 5202. The funding is available to insured nonprofit organizations; tribal governments; and public agencies including libraries, parks and recreation departments, churches and colleges t
05/24/2022 4:07 PM
Mist Elementary Project Paves the Way For High-Speed Internet in Oregon’s Most Rural Schools
SpaceX’s Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit now connect Mist students to video conferencing, virtual education games, video instruction and other high data rate activities that were not previously possible.
12/07/2021 1:59 PM
NWRESD Seeks Proposals for Creative Services, Including Graphic Design, Videography
We have published a request for proposals (RFP) to qualify a short-list of approved vendors available for project-based work. Videographers, graphic designers and other creative professionals, including students are encouraged to apply.
11/24/2021 3:51 PM
Aspiring Teachers in Northwest Oregon Can Receive Individualized Support on Pathway to Licensure
Thanks to $100,000 grant from Meyer Memorial Trust, more school districts are expanding efforts to diversify their education workforce through personalized coaching and support
09/28/2021 9:00 AM
Lori Baker Named Chief Financial Officer
Baker starts on Sept. 20. “I look forward to offering my expertise and passion for governmental finance to the school districts and educational programs throughout northwest Oregon," she says.
09/07/2021 8:00 AM
Debbie Simons Named Chief Human Resources Officer
Northwest Regional Education Service District (ESD) has named Debbie Simons as the incoming chief human resources officer. She will start her new role on Sept. 1.
08/26/2021 5:23 PM
Lynne Griffin to Assume Leadership Role in Clatsop County
Griffin will oversee NWRESD's programs and services as the new Clatsop Service Center Administrator.
07/26/2021 4:22 PM
Megan McCarter Named Executive Director of Instructional Services
McCarter’s list of accomplishments demonstrates her ability to build innovative teams, lead for racial equity, and foster her team’s professional growth and leadership development.
06/09/2021 11:08 AM
Northwest Regional ESD Board Appoints Three Members
Diane Wilkinson and Maureen Wolf join as new members; Ross Tomlin was appointed to a second term
05/24/2021 4:35 PM
Lori Therrien Named Regional Teacher of the Year
Special education teacher Lori Therrien has been awarded regional teacher of the year.
05/20/2021 9:37 AM
NW STEM Hub Announces 2020-21 Community Innovation Grant Winners
Through a partnership with the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Community Foundation, the Northwest STEM Hub is providing funding for eight community-based, STEM-related projects in Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties.
12/17/2020 8:03 PM
News Coverage About Us
News
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KATU Features Rising Interest in Career and Technical Education Courses
G Bundy, a NWRESD professional learning coach, helps school districts expand their career and college readiness offerings. He said these types of career and technical education programs have enthusiastic students who graduate at much higher rates.
08/04/2025 1:37 PM
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Seaside Student's Artwork Featured in Discover Our Coast
Discover Our Coast, a news outlet for the Columbia-Pacific region, recently highlighted the work of an elementary student from Seaside.
07/15/2025 11:42 AM
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Southwest Connection Features Art Contest Winner
Congrats to Clatskanie High Schooler Grace Hadley on being featured by the Southwest Connection. Grace won an art contest run by our Northwest Early Learning Hub, and her artwork is now featured on early literacy toolkits and a little free library in St. Helens.
06/04/2025 4:07 PM