Two Administrators Honored

Two David Douglas District administrators have been recognized at the state level for their outstanding service in their respective fields.

The Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) has named Kelly Devlin, Director of Multilingual Programs and Equity the District, the recipient of the 2023 COSA Leadership Impact Award for her dedication and service to Multilingual students and families. Devlin was presented with the award at the COSA Multilingual & English Learner Conference in Eugene, Oregon on March 10th.

Meanwhile, at the Oregon Statewide Transition Conference, David Douglas Special Education Administrator Sarah Altig was named the Oregon Transition Administrator of the Year on March 16.

Kelly Devlin was hired by the David Douglas School District in 1995, where she taught kindergarten through 5th grades. She later became a teacher leader, instructional coach and, in 2014, the District’s Director of Multilingual Programs and Equity. No matter her role, she has been an advocate for students and families. In her current position as Director, Kelly has been an advocate for the needs of multilingual students and families and has worked to close opportunity and achievement gaps for students across all demographic groups.

“Passion, dedication, service and leadership are just a few of Kelly Devlin’s amazing qualities,” said David Douglas Superintendent Ken Richardson. “I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to work side by side with Kelly to serve our students, staff and community. Her care for students, families and colleagues is unmatched, and her natural ability to connect with others is truly contagious.”

The David Douglas staff know Kelly to be collaborative, supportive and inclusive, one who walks alongside her team members so they don’t have to face difficult challenges alone.

“Kodomono Tame Ni means ‘for the sake of our children,’ Kelly said of the award. “My mother engraved this Japanese quote inside a bracelet she gifted me. As educational professionals, we strive to become the extended family to teach, to ensure and to advocate that we are doing all that we can, every day, to elevate the minds, hearts and dreams of our multicultural and multilingual children.”

Devlin’s leadership has extended beyond her school district. Over the last 10 years, she has invited colleagues across the state who serve multilingual students and families into monthly conversations about improving outcomes for students and advancing the field of multilingual learning and English Language Development.

“Kelly has demonstrated a career of service to students and families, and her advocacy for multilingual and culturally responsive education has had a broad impact in the state of Oregon,” said Craig Hawkins, Executive Director of COSA. “She is truly deserving of recognition, and COSA is honored that Kelly is the recipient of the 2023 Leadership Impact Award.”

Kelly will be recognized at the COSA Annual Conference in Seaside, Oregon in June. She had previously announced her retirement effective June 30.

Sarah Altig was recognized as Oregon’s Transition Administrator of the Year for exemplifying the best of the philosophy of education as it relates to supporting staff, transition-aged students, and development of best practices and implementing predictors in post school success. She strives to provide services above and beyond the standards.

Sarah, a David Douglas High School graduate, joined the District as a student teacher in 2004, and later that year was hired as a special education teacher. In 2014 she became the School Improvement Coordinator at Ron Russell MS, serving four years before being named the Student Behavior Specialist at Ventura Park ES. In 2021, Sarah was elevated to Special Education Program Administrator.

The District’s Community Transition Program (CTP) assists special education students ages 18-21 learn lifelong skills as they transition into adulthood.

Through the five pillars of adult transition skills of Academics for life and adult education, Independent Living Skills, Vocational Training, Community Participation, and, Recreation and Leisure Opportunities, the mission of CTP is to provide guidance, supports, and resources for students to reach their highest level of independence. CTP educators work collaboratively to empower and educate students as they transition to life after high school in achieving the greatest degree of independence and quality of life.

“Sarah has worked endlessly to develop a strong framework for the program and makes herself available to everyone for support and collaboration,” said Rachel Renick, DDSD Vocational Technology Service Coordinator who nominated Sara for the award. “She is passionate about transition services and strives to align the program with innovative, student-centered programming that meets the needs of all learners,”

Congratulations to both Kelly and Sarah!