Springfield Board of Education
Springfield Public Schools is led by a five-member elected school board. The Superintendent helps facilitate the work of the Board and is responsible to the Board for providing leadership to the District and carrying out Board directives.
Members of the Springfield Board of Education are elected to four-year overlapping terms, with elections held every two years. At the end of a four-year term, members may run for re-election to successive terms. Voting takes place at general elections, and terms begin the first Monday in July thereafter. If a vacancy occurs in the middle of a term, the School Board names an appointee to serve until the next district election.
The Board of Directors generally meet on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. Regular business meetings begin at 7 p.m. on the second Monday and work sessions are generally held at 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month. All meetings, unless otherwise noted, are held in the Board Room of the Springfield Public Schools Administration Building, 640 A Street, Springfield, OR 97477.
Email the Board: board@springfield.k12.or.us
Board Information
Our Board Members
Position 1
Ken Kohl
Term Expires: 06/30/2027
Ken.Kohl@springfield.k12.or.us
Ken was elected to the Board in 2023. Together with his wife Polly, he has lived in the Springfield School District since 1995. They raised three wonderful children that attended Springfield schools for all 12 years. Ken graduated from Oregon State University and recently retired after 32 years as a practicing engineer. He worked in both the private and public sectors, the last 18 years working for the Oregon Department of Transportation. He served on the District's Budget Committee from 2006 to 2023 and has also served on the Sites and Facilities Committee, Bond Oversight Committee, and Parent TAG Committee. As a lifelong Oregonian and the child of two public school educators, Ken is committed to ensuring that all children in our community have access to the education and support that will set them up for success in life.
Position 2, Vice Chair
Heather Quaas-Annsa
Term Expires: 6/30/2025
heather.quaas-annsa@springfield.k12.or.us
The Board appointed Heather as Position 2 Director in August 2024. Heather, a lifelong volunteer and advocate, is the co-director of local non-profit Community Supported Shelters. She has also supported many local organizations including the United Way of Lane County, Parenting Now!, the Bethel Education Foundation, and Free Mom Hugs-Oregon. She has also previously served on the District’s Budget and Education Equity Advisory committees. Heather and her husband, Craig, are the proud parents of three amazing children attending three different Springfield schools. Heather looks forward to fostering connections and collaborating with students and their grown-ups, Springfield Public Schools staff, and community members.
Position 3
Jonathan Light
Term Expires: 06/30/2025
Jonathan.Light@springfield.k12.or.us
A product of Springfield schools and graduate of Thurston High School, Jonathan has long been an advocate for excellence and accountability in public education. After high school Jonathan attended Lane Community College and then went on to earn a Bachelors of Music Education (BME) from the University of Northern Colorado and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of New Hampshire. Jonathan spent 15 years as a family business owner before returning to education as a K-12 music teacher. Jonathan and his wife Suzanne have two adult children, both graduates of Springfield High School.
Position 4, Chair
Nicole De Graff
Term Expires: 06/30/2027
Nicole.De-Graff@springfield.k12.or.us
Nicole grew up in a small town in Lane County, and lived overseas for years before resettling back down in Oregon with her husband and three kids. She has previously worked in the real estate industry. In addition, her experience also includes working in a teen pregnancy center and was a foster parent. Most recently she has worked in grassroots non-profits helping parents and teachers across the state to shape policy. Her passion is to advocate for kids and build trust in her community providing as much transparency and collaboration as possible.
Position 5, Currently Vacant
Public Comment Information
The Board welcomes virtual and in-person public comments during its meetings. It has set aside 25 minutes for public comments. Up to eight people will be invited to speak for up to three minutes each.
Four spots are reserved for virtual comments. Four spots are reserved for in-person comments. Any virtual comment spots that are not filled will become available for in-person comments.
Commenting Guidelines
Groups with a common purpose are encouraged to designate a spokesperson. If a group spokesperson will cover your comments, please indicate so when your name is called.
The Board will not hear comments regarding any school personnel. Please refrain from using names and titles of school personnel. Any complaints regarding a particular employee must be processed through the procedure set forth in Board policy KL, which requires complaints be submitted in writing to the Superintendent. This procedure must be followed before there is any Board involvement with such issues. A compliment involving a staff member should be sent to the superintendent, who will then forward it to the employee, their supervisor and the Board.
Speakers are reminded that their public comments will be limited to three minutes.
Public Meetings Law Grievance Process
If you have a grievance regarding an alleged violation of Oregon Public Meetings Law by Springfield Public Schools, please submit it in writing to Martie Steigleder, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Board. Grievances can be sent via email or in person at the District Office, located at 640 A St. Submissions are accepted during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Springfield School District 19 Policy & Board Operating Agreements
Contact Information
Springfield Public Schools Board
640 A Street
Springfield, OR 97477
(541) 726-3201