The Bend-La Pine Schools Excellence in Education awards culminated Friday afternoon with the presentation of the Educator of the Year award to Loren Renfroe, language arts teacher at Sky View Middle School in northeast Bend. Superintendent Steven Cook and other district officials made the surprise presentation.
Renfroe has been with Sky View for two years. Before she joined Bend-La Pine Schools, she was an English teacher at Round Rock Independent School District in Round Rock, Texas.
“Loren builds bridges between academic rigor and real-world relevance,” Dr. Cook said. “She pairs high expectations with empathy, accountability with compassion, and creates a learning culture where belonging drives achievement.”
In addition to her classes, Renfroe is also the instructor of Sky View’s leadership class and co-designed the Career Technical Education Wheel course, integrating communication, technology, and design thinking through hands-on experiences with local professionals and Oregon State University faculty. She has led professional development in the Readers and Writers Workshop and student-led conferences. She serves on both the campus and district language arts leadership teams, helping shape literacy instruction across Bend-La Pine Schools.
“Loren steps into leadership roles across multiple areas, strengthening parent communication, fostering school culture, and enhancing instruction,” said Julie Stroinski, Sky View Middle School Principal. “As an instructional leader, Loren has taken the initiative to expand learning beyond traditional coursework. Whether supporting colleagues, guiding students, or strengthening school culture, Loren leads with innovation, reflection, and a deep commitment to success for all.”
Dr. Cook was joined Friday afternoon at Sky View Middle School by School Board Chairman Marcus LeGrand, Board Director Amy Tatom, Deputy Superintendent Lisa Birk, Executive Director of Middle Schools Stephen DuVal, Bend Education Association President Sarah Barclay, and other District leaders. On behalf of Renfroe, representatives of MidOregon Credit Union presented Sky View with a $500 check.
The District presented the first two Excellence in Education awards earlier this week. On Tuesday, Caldera High School Principal Chris Boyd was honored as Administrator of the Year. On Wednesday, Welcome Center Liaison Liz Vargas was named Support Staff Member of the Year. The Excellence in Education awards honor custodians, counselors, kitchen managers, classroom teachers, educational assistants, office managers, bus drivers and other district employees who have had a positive impact on students.
The recognition began last spring when Bend-La Pine Schools honored dozens of staff members from across the district who distinguished themselves with their leadership, innovation, outstanding professional practice, and positive contributions at work and in the community. From that group, 13 finalists have been celebrated this fall.