Student success starts with people who care. Our classified employees show that care every day, keeping schools running and students supported. They are the backbone of our public education system. They work with students, educators, families, and partners. They keep offices running and buildings safe. Our community depends on them.
At Clackamas ESD, more than 60 classified job types support this work. To honor their impact, our Board of Directors has proclaimed March 2–7, 2026, as Classified Employee Appreciation Week.
Their work reflects our mission to lead, serve, and innovate for learning. We are grateful for the more than 260 classified staff members and contractors who make a difference every day. Meet five of our classified employees and learn how they serve our community.
High-quality preschool can lay the foundation for success in kindergarten and beyond. Through Oregon’s Preschool Promise program, more families are gaining access to free, high-quality early learning, but behind the scenes, preschool providers need support to strengthen their practices, build capacity, and meet Preschool Promise grant requirements.
That’s where Renea Gould comes in. In her role as Preschool Promise implementation specialist in Clackamas Education Service District’s Child Care Resource and Referral program, Renea helps preschool directors and leadership cultivate high-quality, inclusive preschool experiences and support preschools in navigating PSP grant requirements.
Hands-On, Individualized Support
Renea offers hands-on, individualized support to 10 Preschool Promise grantees at 12 sites across the county. Some sites need help strengthening inclusion practices, others need support with teacher qualifications or professional learning, and some want feedback on classroom environments or lesson planning. From reviewing handbooks at the start of the school year and goal setting to looking at what is coming up in their monthly PSP reports and connecting sites with training opportunities, Renea is their go-to when questions arise.
“I’m not a monitor,” Renea explains. “I’m their technical assistance. I’m here to help programs improve and succeed.”
Learning Together Through Community
Beyond individual coaching, Renea facilitates monthly communities of practice for site leaders, creating space for reviewing PSP updates, sharing ideas, and learning from one another.
“I share photos from different sites so we can learn from each other,” Renea says. “If someone has an amazing staff meeting, effective family engagement, or great bulletin board or cozy corner, I’ll say, ‘Look at this — this worked really well at another site.’ It’s all about sharing ideas.”
Relationships at the Center
At the heart of Renea’s work is relationship building. She takes pride in the trust she’s built with site leaders rooted in collaboration, respect, and a shared commitment to children.
“I want them to know I’m here for their success, not judgment,” she explains.
Experience That Makes a Difference
With more than two decades in education, Renea brings a wealth of experience to her work. She began her career as an elementary school teacher before moving into early childhood education, where she served as an educational assistant, preschool lead teacher, and family advocate.
“My background really helps,” she explains. “I can model a lesson, share ideas for circle time, or help improve the learning environment — things they can take back to their teachers for staff development.”
Small Changes, Big Impact
One of Renea’s favorite parts of the job is seeing how small changes, combined with individualized approaches, can have a significant impact on all children. She supports sites with inclusion and social-emotional practices to help leadership and teachers understand what challenging behaviors may be communicating and how to adjust the classroom environment to better support all children.
“When you walk into a classroom where all children are actively engaged, teachers are supported, and learning is happening, that fills my cup,” Renea says. “And then I think, how can I share this with other sites?”
Beyond the Workday
When Renea’s not at work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, especially hiking, camping, ATV riding, and visiting the Oregon coast. She also values slowing down and spending quality time at home, including sharing meals with her family, reading the Bible, caring for her chickens and ducks, and spending time with her cats.
