The High Desert Education Service District has hired Kira Fee as the new executive director of special programs and services.

Fee will start the new role on July 1. She will lead the planning, development and implementation of all K-12 special education programs within the regional services organization and partner with school districts in Deschutes, Crook, Harney, Jefferson, Gilliam, Wheeler and Sherman counties.

Fee will oversee school-aged special education services to students with low-incidence disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, deaf and hard of hearing, orthopedic impairment, traumatic brain injury and vision impairment.

Fee brings more than 14 years of experience to the role, including nine years of teaching and five years as an administrator. She currently serves as director of student services for Jefferson County School District.

“I am very excited to join the leadership team at HDESD,” said Fee in a release. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside HDESD in the region for the past five years, and have seen and felt the passion, creativity and dedication with which the team serves.”

Fee began her career in education as a life skills assistant and then teacher with Lane County Education Service District. She also served as director of special education for Redmond School District, prior to joining the Jefferson County SD.

“Kira has built strong and trusted relationships with colleagues, educators and specialists throughout our region and is a respected voice for students, families and educators at the state level,” said HDESD superintendent Paul Andrews.