March 23, 2021 3:40 a.m.

Roseburg Public Schools Board of Directors Vice-Chair, Steve Patterson, has announced his resignation effective immediately, due to work-related scheduling conflicts.

Superintendent Jared Cordon said Patterson has served on the board for the past 11 years. His current term ends on June 30th of this year. Cordon said in accordance with district policy, the board will formally announce the vacant position at its next meeting on April 14th, and will discuss the process for appointing a new board member at that time.

An appointee would serve through the end of June. The seat will then be filled by the candidate who prevails in the May 18th Special Districts Election.

A letter from Patterson said due to a change in his work accountabilities, and a tremendous increase in travel for work, he would be missing a significant amount of board meetings from now until his term officially concludes at the end of June. Patterson said with some very important agenda items on the upcoming schedule it would not be fair to the rest of the board, the administration, or the community, to have an absentee board member, so he decided to resign effective immediately.

A statement from Cordon said, “Over the past 11 years, Director Patterson has helped guide our district through many changes and transitions, all with the constant goal of improving opportunities for our students”.

Board Chair Rebecca Larson said “Director Patterson has been an outstanding public servant”. She said he thoughtfully engaged with every issue that came before the board, “…always keeping the best interest of students at the forefront of his decisions”. Larson said “…our public schools are better because of his tenure and influence”.