SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – The Springfield School Board is facing a significant change as Chair Heather Quaas-Annsa resigns amid claims of harassment and concerns for her family’s safety. Her decision to step down has sparked a conversation about the impact of community pressure on educational leadership.
Quaas-Annsa, who has served as chair since August 2024, announced her resignation in a letter dated Feb. 5. She cited the situation as “untenable” and “unsafe,” leading her to leave the board entirely. The resignation comes after the board’s controversial decision in January to cut 36 teaching positions, including 27 active teachers, which drew strong reactions from the community.
“When we get harassment, intimidation, those types of things, there’s no place for that in our community,” said Brian Richardson, director of communication for Springfield Public Schools. “There’s definitely not a place for that inside of education as well.”…