Bennie A. Schellenberg

It is with great sadness and fond memoriesthat the Schellenberg family and the North Clackamas School District announcethe passing of Ben Schellenberg, who served with great distinction asSuperintendent from 1980-95. He died Monday after a long battle withParkinson’s Disease.

Ben was known for guiding a young district asit grew to become the fifth largest district in Oregon, and helped it develop areputation for innovative programs, community participation and professionaltechnical education.

“Along with being a great leader in thecommunity, our Dad was just as great at home. We knew he was a father figurefor many in the community, but he was Dad to us,” said sons Blake and GregSchellenberg. “Everyone in the family was important to Ben. As the familygot bigger, his love just grew.”

“Ben was a giant and a legend in thiscommunity and this state; a champion for kids and schools. His leadership andinfluence was developed through hundreds of personal relationships,” said JoeKrumm, current director of Community and Government Relations, who was hired byBen in 1989. “I know this is a loss for many people across Oregon.”

Ben combined education and business practicesin his work. As Superintendent, he worked closely with the North ClackamasChamber of Commerce, at one point becoming its first public sector President. Heearned the Irwin Adams Lifetime Achievement Award from the chamber. He alsoserved as president of the Oregon Association of School Executives.

During the 1980s, North Clackamas Schoolsneeded to pass property tax levies each year to garner local support for thebudget. In some years, it took up to four elections before the electorate wouldapprove a levy. For a district history project, Schellenberg recalledthat in 1983, the district came within 48 hours of closure. With the ‘90s,Measure 5 was approved by voters, and funding levels were determined by thestate Legislature.

Through the years, Schellenberg used communityconnections and political acumen to develop and maintain support for thedistrict.

His devotion to professional-technicaleducation prompted him to work to advance the work of the Sabin Skills Center.He worked with legislative leaders from the community to develop funding toexpand the programs there. The enrollment at the school increased from 750students to more than 2,000 under his watch. Today, there are close to 3,400students who attend. Since 2007, Schellenberg’s name joined Sabin’s in the nameof the center: the Sabin-Schellenberg Professional Technical Center.

Known for his faith and devotion, Ben was oneof the founders of Milwaukie Covenant Church. Ben’s faith in God wasfoundational and guided him as a leader, husband, Dad, and educator.

Born May 26, 1937, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,Ben Schellenberg moved to Linden, Washington, as a young boy. He met his futurewife Marge at Seattle Pacific University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degreein Education. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Oregon StateUniversity. His Master’s Degree in Business Administration came from Universityof Portland. His Superintendent accreditation was earned at University ofOregon.

Ben served North Clackamas Schools for 32years, after teaching in Seattle and Portland for two years. Prior to servingas Superintendent, he was a teacher, principal and administrator.

He was an active member, past president andRotarian of the Year for the Rotary Club of Clackamas, where he established theClackamas Rotary Foundation. Following his service to the district, hehelped found Town Center Bank, and served as Chairman of the Board.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m.Sunday, May 20, at Clackamas High School auditorium. It will be followed by areception in the commons.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to theBen Schellenberg Scholarship Fund through clackamasrotaryfoundation.org. Funds willsupport scholarships for North Clackamas students.

Ben’s wife Marge passed in 2008. BenSchellenberg is survived by sons Blake and Greg Schellenberg, their wives Lindaand Angela, and grandkids Celia, Mike, Dagny, Sam, and Caleb, two sisters DoraWirsche from Fresno, CA., and Renetta Krause from Eugene, OR.

Media Advisory:

Friends, family and colleagues are availablefor interview. Contact Joe Krumm at 971-246-0915