The Lincoln County School District Board of Directors appointed Natalie Schaefer as the Zone 2 Board Member at their regular monthly meeting on October 14, 2025. Schaefer’s appointment comes after the resignation of Zone 2 Board Member Liz Martin.
Schaefer has served as Executive Director of Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center for the past four years. Her 40-year career spans K-12 and higher education, nonprofit administration, corporate philanthropy, and park interpretation. “The future of our community, our state and the nation depend upon an educated populace,” Schaefer wrote in her application. “Oregon’s future leaders deserve the best from us, and I am here to say I vouch for their right to a balanced and well-rounded education. The opportunity to serve the children and families of Lincoln County as a school board member is an impactful way to give back to the community in which I live.”
The LCSD Board declared Zone 2 vacant during the September 9 meeting, following Martin's announced resignation and accepted applications until September 30. The Board interviewed two candidates at their work session on October 14. Following the interviews, the Board selected Schaefer with a unanimous 4-0 vote. Schaefer was sworn in during the regular meeting that followed the work session and will serve the remainder of Martin’s term until June 30, 2027.
“The School Board was impressed with Natalie’s work with the Siletz Tribe and the Arcoiris Cultural Center while running the Yakona Nature Preserve as Executive Director,” said LCSD Board Chair Peter Vince. “The School Board also felt that Natalie’s interest in Career Technical Education and experiential learning will also support the District’s focus in these educational pathways.”
Zone 2 includes the following area precincts: 14-Agate Beach, 15-Otter Rock, 16-Depoe Bay, 17-Fogarty Creek, 18-Kern, and 19-Schooner Creek.