A Message from the Superintendent
At High Desert Education Service District, everything we do begins and ends with one purpose: supporting student success.
We are honored to serve the schools, districts, and communities of our region by providing equitable and specialized services that make a real difference for students, families, and educators.
Our mission is clear – we support student success through equitable and specialized services. Guided by this mission, we strive to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive, every educator feels supported, and every family has a partner in education.
Looking forward, our vision is bold and inspiring: a region where students, families, and educators thrive. This vision drives our daily work and long-term planning as we collaborate with districts and community partners to expand opportunities, close gaps, and build systems that strengthen outcomes for all learners.
We hold fast to our values ~ Connection, Integrity, and Equity ~ as the foundation of how we lead, serve, and grow. These values are not just words on a page; they shape our decisions, relationships, and commitment to excellence in every program we serve.
Our strategic priorities focus our energy and resources where they matter most:
- Champion Students – keeping students at the heart of every decision.
- Champion Relationships – strengthening the trust and collaboration that fuel our region’s success.
- Champion Equity – removing barriers, advancing inclusion, and enhancing opportunities for all.
- Champion Excellence – striving for the highest quality in our services and outcomes.
Together, these priorities ensure that HDESD remains a trusted partner in education, committed to both innovation and stability. We know that when schools succeed, communities thrive—and we are proud to play our part in that shared success.
Thank you for allowing us to serve. I am inspired every day by the dedication of our educators, the resilience of our students, and the promise of what we can accomplish together.
With gratitude,
Dr. Sara Johnson
Superintendent
High Desert Education Service District
Similar to individual school districts, the High Desert Education Service District offices are managed by a Superintendent. Our Superintendent, Sara Johnson, oversees the regional services available to school districts in Central Oregon and outlying communities. Sara also serves as a liaison to the HDESD board of directors.
You can reach Superintendent Johnson at sara.johnson@hdesd.org or 541-693-5702