Prineville, Ore. – The Crook County School Board is moving forward with a structured public feedback process as it considers transitioning Interim Superintendent Joel Hoff into the permanent superintendent role, opting not to conduct a nationwide search at this time.
According to district officials, the process will begin in January 2026 with a districtwide online survey aimed at gathering input from students, staff, families, and community members. The survey is expected to be distributed through ParentSquare, the district’s website, and other online platforms, and will remain open for several weeks.
Feedback collected through the survey will be presented to the school board at a February 2026 board meeting.
In addition to the survey, the district plans to host a series of in-person listening sessions throughout February. These sessions are expected to include separate forums for employee unions, parents and community members, district staff, administrators, and students. A Spanish-language listening session is also planned. Board members are expected to attend at least some of the sessions.
Another formal presentation to the board is scheduled for March 2026, following the completion of the listening sessions, at which point the board is expected to further deliberate on Hoff’s appointment.
District officials have said the feedback process is intended to provide transparency and community involvement, particularly because the board is not conducting an external superintendent search.
Hoff, who previously served as assistant superintendent, was appointed acting superintendent in January 2025 after former superintendent Melissa Skinner was terminated after approximately six months in the role. Hoff was later elevated to interim superintendent, a position he currently holds.
