PRESS RELEASES

Nyssa School District Invests $2.3 Million in major facility upgrades to benefit students and community

NYSSA, OR – The Nyssa School District is celebrating a historic investment of more than $2.3 million into its facilities, strengthening both student opportunities and community pride.

The improvements include a brand-new turf field at Bulldog Stadium and a dual-use community facility featuring updated playground equipment, an outdoor volleyball court, picnic tables, new trees, and energy-efficient lighting.

“This new facility is extremely valuable not only for people who want to walk, but it is also more family-oriented,” said Superintendent Ryan Hawkins. “It provides a safer and better environment for our students and our community.”

The $700,000 community facility was designed with input from elementary students, who asked for features that make play areas inclusive and fun for all.

“Our kids wanted things like ADA-compliant equipment so every child could enjoy the playground,” Hawkins said. “They wanted lots of slides—and now we have 12 brand new ones. It’s so great. The kids are loving it.”

In addition to the playground and family spaces, the district is also upgrading the basketball court in front of the district office, ensuring that the improvements reach across all age groups.

The largest investment was the $1.6 million installation of a new turf field at Bulldog Stadium. This upgrade not only provides a durable, high-quality surface for Nyssa athletes but also makes the stadium a regional resource for playoff games and tournaments.

“Our old field limited how much we could use it,” said Hawkins. “Now, with turf, more of our sports programs can practice and compete on it, and we can host more events for the entire county.”

Because a turf field is a long-term investment that, if properly maintained, can last 10 to 20 years, the district and school board are considering how to balance public access with protecting the surface.

“We want this field to be part of our district for generations,” Hawkins said. “That means making sure it stays in excellent condition while still allowing the community to benefit.”

This investment demonstrates the district’s commitment to creating safe, modern, and welcoming spaces for students and families, while also reinforcing schools as the heart of the Nyssa community.

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VALE - A new state grant will help the Malheur Education Service District bolster efforts to preserve its workforce.

       Retention of employees is critical for any organization and the $40,000 state grant from the Oregon Well-Being Trust allows the service district to create events, projects, and classes to enhance the mental and physical well-being of employees.

The list of valuable tools to boost employee retention runs the gamut from physical fitness classes to sprucing up existing spaces – such as a break room – where “staff can feel more relaxed,” said Kristia Simmons, Malheur Education Service District Human Resources manager.

Simmons spearheaded the effort to obtain the state grant.

       “We are trying to focus on how we can make well-being a priority,” said Simmons.

The welfare of employees is a crucial part of building a strong workforce, said Mark Redmond, Malheur Education Service District administrator.

       “It is huge. Anybody in an organization that can find good quality people you want to keep them,” he said.

       Retaining employees typically reduces the costs of recruiting and training while setting a foundation for better productivity. A low turnover rate also means a key intangible – institutional knowledge – is preserved.

       “By retaining staff, the return on our investment is well worth it,” said Redmond.

       Redmond said creating a culture of trust is another important element to retention. Employees typically are inclined to remain within an organization where they have confidence in their leaders and colleagues, he said.

       Redmond said the wellness grant will enhance an already robust culture within the education service district.

       He pointed to recent statistics showing employee turnover at the education service district was zero.

       “We had 96 employees last year and ended with the same 96. That’s damn good. We set a goal of 90% (retention) and hit 100%,” he said.

       Redmond said he believes the 100% retention rate was tied to initiatives such as the wellness grant.

       “That helps create the right kind of culture and at the end of the day it’s all about culture. People also want to work with high-quality, hard-working people,” he said.

       Simmons said the elements packed into the wellness program are “pretty important to our staff.”

       “We are able to give them a little bit of well-being wellness throughout the year. I've worked in other places where staff wellness isn’t as important,” said Simmons said.

       Simmons said a good mental and physical health program pays dividends in terms of boosting morale.

       “There is a huge, positive difference in the camaraderie around the office and how people perform. If you take care of employees then our employees take care of students,” said Simmons.