Superintendent announces he will leave June 30, says ‘adult-centered’ issues have shifted district’s attention 

Reaction to Medford School District Superintendent Bret Champion’s Thursday announcement that he would resign his position, effective June 30, brought a range of comments on social media and from several community members involved in local public education.

Social media responses ranged from disappointment and concern for the future of the district to criticism of ongoing tensions in the embattled district.

The decision by Champion, hired in 2019 just prior to the pandemic, comes on the heels of months of tensions within the district, including a series of complaints and public clashes at school board meetings, and an unprecedented number of grievances filed by district teachers.

Notably, Champion filed a formal complaint against board member Michael Williams in November following an earlier complaint filed by Ron Havniear, district director of security. Most recent, heated debate at school board meetings included community members and teachers who alleged that the board  treating Williams differently than other board members contributed to a divided atmosphere within the community.

In his statement, Champion said while the community expressed a desire to focus on students, a vocal minority, which he described as a “loud contingency,” had continued to shift attention to “adult-centered issues.”

“Something needs to change, and I’m willing to be that change,” Champion said. “I’ve decided that the best way to refocus on students is to step aside.”

Champion’s full statement was posted to the district’s social media, where it has been viewed over 14,000 times. The video link can be found online.

Williams offered a written response to Champion’s resignation.

“Fighting for the success of our students looks different for different people. It seems Dr. Champion was right for this district during a very challenging time, but now we have arrived at a different moment, and this moment may require a different direction and new priorities,” Williams said, emphasizing that his statement was his own and not that of the board.

“I think we can all agree that it’s time for a new chapter, and I’m glad that we will have the chance to move forward and refocus on educational outcomes and student and teacher safety. We have work to do on rebuilding the North (High) gym. I’m looking ahead now and I’m ready to get to work finding our next district leader.”

Jessica Fitzsimmons, president of the Medford Education Association, released a statement on behalf of the MEA acknowledging Champion’s resignation.

“We recognize that leadership transitions can be pivotal moments for any district, and we remain committed to ensuring that the needs of our students, educators, and school communities continue to be the top priority during this time of change. We wish Dr. Champion well,” the statement read.

“As we move forward, our Union stands ready to work collaboratively with district leadership to advocate for policies that support educators, enhance student learning, and foster a strong public education system.”

The statement urged the district to “engage all stakeholders — including members, staff, parents, and the broader community — in the search for new leadership that prioritizes equity, transparency, and the well-being of our schools. It is crucial that the next superintendent is someone who values and respects the voices of educators and is dedicated to addressing the challenges facing our schools.”

Cynthia Wright, chair of the Medford School Board, in a written statement called Champion “an exceptional leader” and said the district had received “an outpouring of support from parents, teachers, and community members who are deeply saddened by the loss of a superintendent who has led with integrity, transparency, and innovation.”

“Bret’s leadership has been defined by his unwavering commitment to students and his ability to empower those around him,” Wright wrote. “He is one of the most approachable superintendents this district has ever had – teachers and staff have repeatedly expressed how valued and supported they feel under his leadership. He trusts his teams, allowing leaders to do the work they need to do while fostering an environment of collaboration and progress,” the statement read.

Wright’s statement noted that the district “stands at a crossroads, and the path forward depends on all of us.”

“This is a wake-up call — we can no longer afford to be passive observers. The success of our students and the future of our schools require active engagement, thoughtful leadership, and a commitment to constructive solutions. Not hate, not perpetuation of lies and misinformation,” Wright said.

“I urge every member of our community to rise to this moment, to focus on what truly matters, and to work together to ensure that our district remains a place where every student can thrive. The challenges ahead are real, but so is our ability to overcome them — if we choose to move forward with unity and purpose.”

Board member Michelle Atkinson, commenting on her own behalf in a statement, said she was saddened by Champion’s resignation. Atkinson wrote that she was “impressed with the innovation he brought to MSD, like our new planetarium setup at North, healthcare and phlebotomy program, construction skills, focus on early education, and our upcoming aviation program.”

Atkinson’s statement continued, “I wish people would be more kind. Our kids are watching us, and if we want them to be kind, we need to be kind. If we want them to work together, we need to work together.”

Of the district, Atkinson said she felt “like our ship is sinking, and we have two choices. We can work together to save it, or we can watch it go under. A lot of damage has already been done by the vitriol. But there are so many amazing people who care deeply about our schools and that gives me hope. I encourage people who want to help to speak out and call for unity.”

District officials did not specify next steps for hiring a replacement for Champion. The school board is scheduled for a work session at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 6, and will discuss the upcoming process and necessary leadership transition.

Reach reporter Buffy Pollock at 458-488-2029 or bpollock@rv-times.com. Follow her on Twitter @orwritergal.