Mr. Cooper has been in the classroom for most of his thirty-one years, teaching over 45 different classes at the high school level, mostly math, social studies and computer classes. A graduate of Crook County High School in Prineville, Oregon, Mr. Cooper appreciates the small town feel of the Fern Ridge area and enjoys interacting with students, parents and teachers alike. Mr. Cooper has a Masters in Math Education from Portland State University and a Bachelor Degree in Marketing from the University of Oregon. Mr. Cooper enjoys remodeling, yard work, rockhounding and playing guitar/singing (Google “Forrest Cooper music” to find some of his songs).

“Miss Jessica” is in her second year with Options. She graduated from Elmira High School and has been working on a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Jessica handles some of the IEP scheduling in addition to her Options work. She enjoys birds and reptiles (has a Bearded Dragon named “Sparky”), and traveling around the state, as well as spending time with family and friends. Jessica volunteers with the Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB) Club at the high school, helping them prepare for regional and state contests. Formerly Jessica Coone, Jessica got married over the summer, and is now Mr. Cooper’s daughter-in-law!

A graduate of Elmira High School, Mr. Guldager obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in History from Linfield University while playing college baseball for the Wildcats. Later, Mr. Guldager earned his Masters in Education from Western Oregon University.

Mr. Guldager enters his 32nd year teaching in the Fern Ridge School District and this will be his 34th year coaching high school athletics. After a few years as a substitute teacher and starting up the alternative Ed. Program, he spent 25 years as a social studies teacher at the high school while coaching various sports. Five years ago he transitioned into a new role as the School Success and Career Technical Education (CTE) director for the district. His new responsibilities are focused around: dropout prevention, 9th grade on track to graduate, coordinating the CTE programs, and assisting with Options registration and student wellness.