Over 500 Klamath Falls City Schools staff gathered Tuesday at the Ross Ragland Theater for the KFCS 2026–27 In-Service, coming together to prepare for the new school year with a shared focus on leadership, school culture and creating meaningful experiences for students.
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The day featured a keynote presentation from Dr. Shane Naterman, Leadership Development Strategist with Capturing Kids’ Hearts, who challenged KFCS staff to think intentionally about the culture they want to create in their classrooms, schools and areas of influence.
Naterman, who spent much of his career as an educator, coach and school administrator before joining Capturing Kids’ Hearts full time in 2017, shared stories from his own journey in education and encouraged staff to consider what they can do to help make 2026–27 their best year yet.
“I want to encourage you, but I’m not a motivational speaker,” Naterman told staff. “I want to serve you well right now and give you an opportunity to just think through some stuff that might help this … maybe in the best year we’ve ever had.”
His keynote centered on what he called the “Big Three” ... three practices that can help leaders and educators build the culture they want to see.
Model Well
Naterman’s first message was simple: model the culture you want to see.
“If you want more of something, the first question you should ask yourself is this: How am I modeling that?” he said.
Whether the desired culture is kindness, respect, collaboration, positivity or something else, Naterman encouraged staff to first look at their own actions and determine whether they are demonstrating those qualities for others.
“There is no substitution for modeling,” Naterman emphasized.
Celebrate Success
The second part of Naterman’s framework focused on recognizing and celebrating the positive things happening throughout a school or organization.
He encouraged staff to intentionally look for examples of the culture they want to strengthen and celebrate those successes.
“Some of y’all are great at celebration,” Naterman said, while encouraging leaders to make recognition a deliberate part of their routines.
Naterman also reminded staff that celebrating success is not simply about making others feel good. It helps reinforce the behaviors and values an organization wants to see continue.
“If we want to see more of it, it’s celebrated, and you see it,” he said.
Naterman challenged staff to identify someone in their organization who already demonstrates the cultural quality they hope to see more of and recognize that person for it.
Provide Clarity
The third piece of the framework was providing clarity.
Naterman encouraged leaders and educators not to assume that others automatically understand what is expected of them.
“Don’t expect people to pick up what you’re putting down,” he said.
Naterman challenged staff to be explicit about the behaviors and standards they want to establish, pointing out that what an organization repeatedly accepts can eventually become its culture.
“The lowest accepted behavior over time will become our culture,” Naterman said.
That message applies everywhere, from classrooms and hallways to athletic teams, staff meetings and district offices.
Throughout his presentation, Naterman returned to the importance of being intentional about culture and reminded staff that the principles discussed in a professional setting also apply at home and in everyday life.
“I am convinced that if we, whatever our position is … will follow the Big Three,” he said. “There’s no guarantees, but I think it gives us the best chance of getting further down the road with whatever it is that we just shared.”
Naterman also thanked KFCS staff for the way they welcomed him to Klamath Falls.
“I want to thank you for what you do,” he said. “What you do matters.”
The KFCS In-Service also provided an opportunity for KFCS to recognize the extensive preparation taking place across the district ahead of the new school year.
KFCS Executive Director of Human Resources Renee Clark highlighted the work of staff members, administrators, maintenance and custodial teams, technology staff, curriculum teams, Human Resources, the business office, payroll and federal programs teams who have spent countless hours preparing schools and classrooms for students.
Special recognition was given to the teams working to launch Klamath Falls City Schools’ new KFCNES initiative at Mills Elementary and Ponderosa Middle School, a vision that began last fall and has required extensive planning and preparation throughout the summer.
“Most importantly, all of that hard work has been for one reason, our students,” Clark said. “I truly believe KFCNES is going to be something amazing for our students, and I’m excited to see where it goes from here.”
The district also welcomed 28 new certified staff members through a video introducing new teachers and other educators joining KFCS for the 2026–27 school year.
The day continued with lunch catered by Woodsy Kitchen, followed by opportunities for staff to participate in a benefits fair and additional Capturing Kids’ Hearts professional learning.
Naterman’s message provided a fitting challenge to catapult KFCS staff into a new school year.
"I want you to do something for me that only you can do," Naterman said. "I want you to create the culture you want to see by modeling it, celebrating it and clearly communicating it. This is only something that can come from you; it is yours and your opportunity."
