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Superintendent's Office

Phoenix-Talent School District Superintendent Brent Barry welcomes back PTS families, shares some summer happenings and talks about what to expect in the coming weeks.

 

About the Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 17, 2025,

Good evening PTS Rising families,

As we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this weekend, we are reminded of his enduring message of hope, unity, and the power of service. Dr. King envisioned a nation where individuals are judged by the content of their character and where justice and equality prevail. It is a vision that continues to inspire and guide tight knit communities like PTS Rising even today, 61 years after his “I Have a Dream” speech.

This year, MLK Day coincides with the inauguration of President Donald Trump. This historic moment offers a unique opportunity for all of us to reflect on the values of democracy, civic responsibility, and the importance of fostering respectful dialogue — even amid differing perspectives. PTS Rising may be a relatively small school district, but our diversity of viewpoints is anything but, and that is one of our greatest strengths.

As we observe these significant events, let us use this time to come together as a community, demonstrating the principles of inclusion, kindness, and service that Dr. King championed. I encourage each of you to participate in acts of service, whether by volunteering, helping a neighbor, or engaging in discussions that uplift and inspire. As Dr. King put it, “The complete education gives one not only power of concentration but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate.”

Thank you for your continued dedication to building a community where every voice is valued, and every learner thrives. We really have a special community in that regard. Together, we can honor Dr. King’s dream and ensure it lives on through our actions.

Have a great weekend!

 

Brent Barry, Superintendent

Loop With the Supt., S3 E4

PTS Superintendent Brent Barry walks the track at Phoenix High during a wide-ranging conversation covering 2024 highlights, School Board Recognition Month, MLK Jr., Day and our "Rise and Shine: Every Day Matters" attendance campaign.

Brent Barry, Superintendent

PTS superintendent Brent Barry talks to a student at a table

Brent Barry has been Phoenix-Talent’s superintendent since 2017 when he was promoted from the role of assistant superintendent for academics and student programs. He worked his way up through the ranks, teaching health and math in Prineville, Oregon City, and Medford before taking over as vice principal and athletic director of Phoenix High School. Later, he served as principal at Orchard Hill Elementary, one of three elementary schools in the Phoenix-Talent School District, before becoming one of the district’s two assistant superintendents.

Prior to the 2021-22 school year the Oregon Association of School Executives (OASE) and the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) named Barry the 2022 Oregon Superintendent of the Year.

Barry was born and raised in the Rogue Valley, attending McLaughlin Middle School and later South Medford High School before heading to San Diego State University on a baseball scholarship. Barry later attended Southern Oregon University and Linfield College (now Linfield University), where he met his future wife Sara. The Barrys, who were married in 1996, have two daughters: Alex and Lauren.

Brent Barry

Phoenix-Talent School District Superintendent

541-535-1517; brent.barry@phoenix.k12.or.us

Denise Skinner

Executive assistant to the superintendent and school board secretary

541-535-1517; denise.skinner@phoenix.k12.or.us