Operations manager is moving on

June 30 will mark the end of Leland Bliss' time with the Sisters School District. After serving as the director of operations in Sisters for the last 10 years Bliss will be moving on to Crook County School District.

Bliss began his career in education 17 years ago in the Bend-La Pine School District.

"There are major differences between a large district and small/medium district," he said.

The director of operations has a big job. When Bliss started he was in charge of only facilities and safety. As time went on and budgets shrank, he began supervising the nutrition, transportation, custodial and maintenance departments for the district.

"It's been challenging trying to cover everything," said Bliss. "I can't do everything that I would like to within each of our facilities."

Each unique department has it's own challenges, including the annual review for nutrition services and managing trips and small staff within the transportation department.

There have been a few highlights during Bliss' term in Sisters.

"Seeing some of the improvements throughout the schools, like the pellet boiler at the high school," he said. "Working hard on the bond and having that pass - those have been the most rewarding."

Bliss knows how much work will be done throughout the district with the passing of the bond and, while he recognizes it may be challenging for a new person in his position, there will be a project manager to help the new hire, and the projects have been well laid out ahead of time to make them easier to manage.

"The community will be in good hands," he said. "Project lists have been well distributed and we are in the process of identifying oversight committees.

For community members interested in participating in an oversight committee, contact Melanie Petterson, district secretary, at 541-549-8521 for more information.

Leland and his wife are looking forward to this new stage in his career. He hopes to continue to work in the Crook County District and eventually retire in the Prineville area.