Retirement Statement from Superintendent Don Clements

At the September 26th Board meeting, the CPRD Board of Directors accepted the immediate resignation of longtime superintendent Don Clements, following an executive session. The motion to accept and provide Clements with salary and benefits through June 2025 was moved by Lisa Rogers and passed 4 to 1, with Jim McMaster dissenting. 

STATEMENT FROM RETIRING SUPERINTENDENT DON CLEMENTS

It is with optimism and nostalgia that I announce my decision to move ahead with retirement as fall begins. While I had originally decided to retire in the spring, the Board of Directors offered to provide my compensation through June, and I have accepted that offer.

In my 40 years as Superintendent of CPRD, I have tried to do what is best for the community. Many of the projects that we've started will carry on long after I'm gone.

I have been accused of building an empire, and that is true, but the expansion has been done reasonably, with the taxpayers in mind. We are way in front of park and rec agencies in Oregon and the nation.

I feel that as CPRD is poised to complete a number of projects that will change the landscape of life in Newberg and Dundee, and is financially solvent with a healthy cash balance and a sensible budget plan, this is a good time for me to step into my next phase of life and enjoy more time with my family and to continue my adventurous life. I have confidence in the state of the District in this moment, and I am committed to being available to the next Superintendent during the transition, to the staff, and to the District throughout the future.

I appreciate the previous people associated with the District and all who have supported and helped over the years. It would take one full newspaper to list all of the names, so I won't try, but I thank them, and all of you.

Don Clements, CPRD Superintendent 1985 - 2024
Date: Sept. 27, 2024

Photo courtesy of Newberg Graphic