Thistlethwaite's resigns from D21; Board Member to focus on professional, family needs

By Tom Peterson

North Wasco County School Board accepted the resignation of Board Member Rebecca Thistlethwaite at its regular meeting on Thursday, Jan. 20

Board Chair Jose Aparicio said Thistlethwaite gave him a verbal resignation several days ago but no written resignation followed. “…so the verbal resignation she gave me is her desire at this point,” he told the Board.  

“From our conversation, it really is an awesome opportunity and situation in her personal life,” Aparicio said. “She got a million-plus in grant money and is extending staff - sounds like an awesome opportunity.” 

Thistlethwaite is the Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network Program Manager at Oregon State University Extension.

She said the resignation, in part, was due to her workload.

Thistlethwaite said she had applied for and received a grant for $1 million for a national program for small meat processors that provides education and technical support. 

In addition, she said they were adding staff. 

“I’ve simply got an increased workload at my job,” she said on Friday, Jan. 21.

She also said that she no longer lived in Zone 1-  the Mosier area. “I want someone living in that area to have that seat.”

Thistlethwaite has served on school boards both in Mosier and at D21 during the past seven years.

She was also on the board of the North Wasco County Education Foundation, which has been revitalized under her tenure. The nonprofit, which has been able to help secure Chromebooks and give students access to internet service during the pandemic, has raised $50,000 locally and also received some $240,000 in pass-through grants in the past two years.   

Thistlethwaite will remain as the administrator of that nonprofit. “I’m good at it, and it’s a better use of my skills,” she said.

She also intends to volunteer more in her children’s extracurricular activities.

The School District will now advertise the open position for 20 days. The Board will conduct interviews with applicants and appoint a new board member in months to come.

The appointee must be a legally registered voter and a resident within the district and in their respective zone for one year immediately preceding the appointment.

To read the entire policy for filling the vacancy and future election rules affecting that appointee, click here.