New Crook County School District superintendent begins tenure

Crook County School District recently welcomed the long-awaited beginning of Melissa Skinner serving as its superintendent.

Her first day on the job included attending her first school board meeting July 15, where she was welcomed by the board and community, setting the stage for her first 100 days as the district’s new leader.

With more than two decades of experience as a teacher, director and administrator, Skinner is eager to learn about the district and get out in the community. Her initial efforts will prioritize relationship building, understanding staff needs, collaborating with families and the community and developing a comprehensive long-term plan to ensure every child receives a high-quality education.

"I am thrilled to start my journey with the Crook County School District officially," she said. "My primary focus over the next 100 days will be to listen, learn and build strong relationships with our dedicated staff, families and the supportive community. Together, we will work towards a shared vision of educational excellence for all students."

Dr. Skinner’s plan for the first 100 days includes:

Relationship building: Skinner plans to meet with teachers, staff, students, parents and community members to build trust and open lines of communication. She has expressed the importance of understanding the district's unique strengths and needs through direct engagement.Getting to know staff: Skinner will spend time in each school, engaging with teachers and support staff to learn about their experiences and gather insights on how to support their efforts in the classroom best.Collaborating with families and the community: Recognizing the critical role of families and community partners in the educational process, Skinner plans to prioritize listening and fostering collaboration to gather input on district priorities and initiatives.Developing a long-term plan: Based on the feedback and insights gathered, Skinner intends to work with the school board and district leaders to develop a plan focused on academic excellence, student well-being and continuous improvement. This plan will be a roadmap for her work as the new superintendent.

Dr. Skinner holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in education, specializing in curriculum and teaching, a Master of Education in administration/supervision and a Bachelor of Arts in elementary and middle school education. She has expressed a commitment to student-focused leadership and instructional excellence that is expected to guide her efforts to enhance the educational experience for every student in Crook County.

"We are confident that Dr. Skinner's leadership will bring positive and transformative change to our district," said school board vice chair Scott Cooper. "Her expertise and dedication to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment align perfectly with our vision for the future."

Skinner’s official transition isn’t the only leadership change. At the July 15 school board meeting, Jennifer Knight, elected to the school board in May 2023, was installed as the new chair, while longtime board member Scott Cooper was appointed vice chair.