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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 18, 2019)
2 La Grande Pride December 2019 • www.lagrandesd.org From the Superintendent's Desk ... Dear Parent, Guardian, and Community Members, Welcome to the winter 2019 is- sue of our District newsletter! It has been an exciting and busy fi rst few months of the school year, espe- cially the past few weeks with our very own LHS football team winning its second state title!!! We have many musical perfor- )GQTIG/GPFQ\C mances, sporting events, and LA GRANDE SCHOOL DISTRICT community service projects taking SUPERINTENDENT place prior to Winter break and it is my hope that families and community members can be involved in celebrating the abilities of our wonderful stu- dents. The Holiday season for some is stressful, fast-paced, and expensive. It is my hope that we can all relax, refl ect and enjoy the extra time with our children and loved ones. I ask that you consider what matters most in your lives, build on the traditions and experiences that create mean- ingful memories and relationships. The more we connect, reconnect and build healthy relationships, the better for our children as well as ourselves. Last month our district sent out our fi rst ever district pro- fi le and focus guide. It is my sincere hope that you review it to better understand our school district, what we have prioritized and how we operate. The focus guide shares an overview of district fi nances, construction projects that have taken place since 2015, our programs and services we of- fer, our strategic plan and much more. Thank you for staying informed and for supporting your students and the schools, we have much to be proud of and thankful for! I wish you all the best during these busy weeks leading into Winter Break and a wonderful new year as we move on to 2020! Sincerely, George Mendoza La Grande SD Superintendent This publication serves as a platform to keep our community informed and connected to the school district. We appreciate your involvement and support. Should you wish to contact me my phone number is 541-663-3201; email: george.mendoza@ lagrandesd.org InterMountain ESD superintendent Dr. Mark Mulvihill, left, and LGSD superintendent George Men- doza, right, congratulate Merle Comfort. COMFORT continued from page 1 signifi cant upgrades to facilities throughout the district. “Passing the bond was a huge achievement, and I give more credit to Joe Justice and Danelle Wilson, who are board members now,” Comfort said. “The bond made a huge change. When your facilities look great, people feel great.” With his recent honors, Comfort received a plaque from the La Grande School District and a memorabilia box with a plaque on the top of it from the Oregon School Boards Association. He was emotionally moved by the honor, but his fi nal analysis reveals a more philosophical and humble viewpoint. “This is not about me,” he said. “You are only able to put things together like this when you have a great staff. The La Grande School District has always had a great staff and great admin- istration, and they all work together. At the end of the day, we want to make sure our kids are educated and help them down the path, whether it’s college or a trade.” Comfort feels the district has a staff that does an excel- lent job of making that happen. He sees his role pri- marily as one of service to others. “I don’t do this job for recognition,” he said. “I do it because I care about the kids. I love what I do, and I like to serve other people.” Appropriately, the La Grande School District’s Strategic Plan “love, care, serve” summarizes how he has felt all along. “I feel strongly about the love, care, serve (motto), and it fi ts my life pretty well,” he said.
