Beth Graser was awarded the 2025–26 School Communicator of the Year by the Oregon School Public Relations Association (OSPRA) at its conference in Portland, Oregon. Graser serves as the Communications Officer for the Hillsboro School District. She was selected for her exceptional leadership in school public relations, her unwavering commitment to transparency and community engagement, and her influence as a mentor and collaborator across Oregon. Known for her human-centered approach, Graser plays a critical role in strategic planning, bond development, crisis communication, and media relations, consistently elevating trust and alignment between schools and the communities they serve.
“Beth leads thoughtful, solutions-focused conversations on difficult topics such as data inequities, financial complexities, and district climate and culture with the skill, confidence, and empathy of a seasoned leader,” shared Brooke Nova, Hillsboro School District’s assistant superintendent for academic services. “Her strong questioning skills, strategic thinking, and steadfast advocacy consistently elevate the work of our district.”
Graser’s reputation for responsiveness and transparency extends beyond her district. She is widely recognized by media partners and colleagues alike for providing timely, accurate information and fostering open access to school leaders and classrooms. Her approach reflects a deep belief that proactive communication strengthens public trust, especially in complex or challenging moments.
Her leadership is especially evident during times of crisis, where she communicates with calm, clarity, and compassion. Graser’s work is grounded in both professional expertise and personal authenticity, enabling her to navigate sensitive issues with empathy while keeping families and students at the center. She has also demonstrated courage and vulnerability by speaking openly about mental health, using her voice to support
others and reduce stigma.
“Beth has been profoundly influential and foundational to my career and to enhancing our schools’ relationships with our community,” said Paje Stelling, Communications Manager for Scappoose School District. “She gives and gives, has seemingly endless knowledge and resources, and she models true calm and passionate confidence in her work and life.”
Beyond her district, Graser is a generous mentor who actively supports school communicators across the state. She regularly shares resources, strategies, and best practices, particularly with smaller or less-resourced districts, to help strengthen the profession as a whole.
The School Communicator of the Year award recognizes the outstanding leadership and contributions of active, front-line school communicators who work full-time in school districts or education service agencies. She is now in consideration for the National School Communicator of the Year award, which will be announced this July.
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Editor’s Note: Beth is a local girl from Hillsboro, so this is especially wonderful to celebrate with her. We are very lucky to have her in our school district! Beth and her family suffered an unimaginable loss in 2025, and the Herald was asked to share it. We honor her son Hayden’s life today, and we see how Beth’s humanity-focused approach shines through all of us every day. She promised to live for him every day, and she is certainly doing that.
Hillsboro Family Remembers Hayden Graser’s Life With Committment To Finding Suicide Solutions
Great job, Beth!! And a local lady to boot! Kudos and Blessings on you!! Thanks for being such a good person and example.
Thanks to the Herald for sharing this story.
Congratulations Beth – Great Job! I have always appreciated how you handle the HSD communications – starting way back when I worked with you and the Student of the Week at Hillsboro Rotary Club. PROUD TO BE HSD!
Congratulations Beth! I know first hand how hard working and committed you have always been to your role with the Hillsboro School District. This is an honor that is well deserved.