One of the biggest supporters of the Newberg-Dundee Public Schools welcomed local education leaders on a Tuesday tour.

School Board Chair Nancy Woodward, School Board Vice Chair Deb Bridges, Zone 1 Director Trevor DeHart, Zone 5 Director Renee Powell, and Superintendent Stephen Phillips donned their safety goggles and explored the A-dec headquarters on 2601 Crestview Drive in Newberg.

“The tour was good,” DeHart said, “a lot of great ideas on partnerships and student engagement.”

A-dec is one of the world's largest dental chair and equipment makers and one of the largest employers in the area, with 1,600 workers worldwide and a massive local facility. But what matters the most to local school supporters is that, ever since Ken and Joan Austin founded A-dec in 1964, the couple and their whole family have devotedly given back to the community, health field, and educational organizations.

“Anyone can see how much the Austin family cares about schools,” Phillips said. “We are always glad to connect with them because the School District and the family both know that helping young people to learn and to be able to better serve our community is one of the most valuable contributions we can make.”

Powell and Woodward agreed, saying they learned a great deal from the tour.

“Thank you to A-dec for reaching out to Newberg-Dundee Public Schools to discuss how we might partner to give students exposure and experience in the many careers that the company offers as the largest private employer in Yamhill County,” Woodward said. “The tour of the facility helped me understand all the varied jobs that are part of producing high-quality dental equipment.”

Powell was also fascinated by the careers available through A-dec.

“It was great to know how they are reaching out to the younger generation,” Powell said, “from third grade all the way through high school, giving them the knowledge and skills to grow and learn about what traits or careers they might want to go into. I was very impressed with all the in-house opportunities that they have and all that they provide for their employees. Plus all they do for the community. We are hoping to team up with them in helping our students be the best that they can be.”

The Austins have a long history of giving back to the School District. In 2002, the Austins told voters that, if they supported a $46 million education bond for a new school, the couple would provide a 10-acre parcel of land for the new building. The bond passed, and the school on 2200 N Center St. now bears the name Joan Austin Elementary.

The story doesn't end there. Even though Ken and Joan Austin have passed on, their commitment to education lives on. Through their nonprofit arm, Austin Family Foundation, and other philanthropic avenues, the Austin | Parrish family are faithful patrons of Newberg-Dundee Schools, continuing a decades-long legacy. 

“We believe everyone deserves the same chance to learn, to grow, and to develop the skills to help turn inspiration into a brighter future,” said Scott Parrish, A-dec CEO and member of the Austin Family Foundation. “That’s why our family, The Austin Family Foundation, and A-dec supports community learning, from early education programs all the way through high school, including career technical education programs.”

In addition, college scholarships named after Joan and Ken Austin have benefitted Newberg and Dundee students for years. What’s more, the Foundation offers a Small Grant Program with gifts of $500 to $10,000 for non-profit organizations providing services related to the community, health, or education for Newberg and Dundee citizens.

The Austin | Parrish family also has given many large donations over the years to provide local students with more academic opportunities. Just a few examples include:

• 2017: a $50,000 grant to integrate design thinking and agile learning into subjects including science and social studies at both the middle- and high-school levels;
• 2021: $100,000 to aid CTE Fridays at Catalyst High School, $50,000 for CTE Learning Support at Newberg High, and $50,000 for Wellness Center Support;
• 2022: $100,000 to help CTE Fridays at Catalyst High School, $100,000 for the K-5 Coding Initiative for Newberg Schools, $73,000 for Middle School STEAM Upgrades, $47,000 for Tiger Manufacturing Lathe, and $97,700 for Medical Sciences CTE Pathway Support at Newberg High School; and
• 2023: $105,527 to support CTE Wednesdays at Catalyst and $154,000 for additional support for Newberg Schools Mental Health Therapy-Acuity Expansion, expanding the School District’s staff.

When such an incredible supporter reaches out, local school leaders are more than happy to connect, put on a pair of safety goggles, and discover all the opportunities that await local students in their hometown.