New director hired at Oregon School for the Deaf

From: Statesman Journal - Salem,OR,USA - May 24, 2007

A new director has been hired as director of the Oregon School for the Deaf, officials announced today.

Patti Togioka will oversee instruction at the school and manage day-to-day operations, Oregon Department of Education spokesman Gene Evans said.

Togioka will begin Aug. 1, 2007.

Most recently, Togioka has worked as assistant principal at McKay High School. Togioka also was principal at the Salem-Keizer Migrant Education Summer High School Program, CIM Coordinator, Special Education teacher, and TAG advocate.

Togioka taught ASL (English and bilingual) and developed curriculum at the Oregon School for the Deaf from 1980 to 1998. She has been involved in education for students who are deaf since 1974.

Togioka earned her bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from Gannon University in Erie, Penn. She earned her masters degree in special education of the hearing impaired from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.

State education officials began seeking a new director after Jane Mulholland was terminated from the school for the deaf in late December, a decision that angered many in the community.

Interim director Jay Gense was appointed to oversee day-to-day management of both the Oregon School for the Deaf and Oregon School for the Blind.

An advisory committee that provided input during the hiring process included:

* Oregon School for the Deaf parents: Eric Sundquist, Dale Campbell, Marsha Liebe

* Oregon School for the Deaf student: Cruz Saucedo

* Oregon School for the Deaf staff: Karen Trowbridge, Bill Cruscial, Judith Holtzinger

* School District representatives: Linda Felber, Salem Keizer; Sandra Gruhn, Tillamook

* Regional Programs: Robbie Weber, Columbia Regional Program; Eleni Boston, Willamette Regional Program

* State Advisory Council for Special Education: Roberta Dunn

* Oregon Association for the Deaf: Margi Morgan

* Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services: Bentley Fink

* Oregon School for the Deaf Alumni Association: Daniel Sloan

* Oregon Department of Education staff: Jay Gense, Colleen Carson

©2007 StatesmanJournal.com