Salem-Keizer School Board member Osvaldo Avila resigns suddenly
Salem-Keizer School Board member Osvaldo Avila has resigned, citing family reasons.
Avila has served on the seven-member, volunteer board since 2021, representing West Salem's Zone 1. His resignation, submitted Wednesday, took effect immediately.
“I am grateful for the opportunity and privilege I have had over these past few years to serve tens of thousands of students in our community while getting to know the educators and staff that have a daily impact on them as well,” Avila said in a statement.
District officials said they will release details next week about the process for filling the vacancy.
“I am grateful for Director Avila’s steady leadership throughout my transition into Salem-Keizer Public Schools,” Superintendent Andrea Castañeda said in a statement.
“He is unfailingly courageous and student and family-centered in his leadership of our district,” Castañeda said. “We will miss his presence and contributions on the board but are proud to count him amongst Salem-Keizer Public School’s many supporters.”
Avila’s resignation comes a year after he issued an apology for his actions at a high school football game.
Avila, who was supporting his son at a West Salem vs. Sheldon football game in Eugene, was investigated by the district after he put his hand on the back of a referee over his frustration with a call, according to a third-party investigative report commissioned by the district.
Following the investigation, the district banned Avila from all Salem-Keizer sports activities through Sept. 30, 2023.
Register-Guard Reporter Edith Noriega contributed to this report.
Tracy Loew covers the environment at the Statesman Journal. Send comments, questions and tips: tloew@statesmanjournal.com or 503-399-6779. Follow her on Twitter at @Tracy_Loew
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Salem-Keizer School Board member Osvaldo Avila resigns suddenly
