08/05/2026
Dear PTS community,
It is with deep sadness that we share that longtime PTS school board member Rick Nagel passed away early this morning, on his 90th birthday.
For 27 years, since he was first elected in 1999, Rick has served our students and families with wisdom, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring our students are afforded every opportunity to succeed in Phoenix-Talent and beyond. In his professional life, Rick was a very successful certified public accountant and an accounting instructor, but those who knew him understand that he was so much more than that – a father, a husband, a friend to many, and a huge Phoenix High sports fan who served as the official public address announcer for the Pirates’ 2011 boys basketball state championship team. He was also a strong proponent of safe school initiatives whose advocacy is a major reason PTS has school resource officers at both Phoenix High School and Talent Middle School.
“On a personal level, it is difficult to put into words what Rick meant to me,” PTS Superintendent Brent Barry expressed in a letter to district staff Wednesday. “I am deeply grateful for his friendship, mentorship, and unwavering support. He made our district a better place, and his influence will continue to be felt by all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.”
Dawn Watson, who has served on the board alongside Rick since 2013, added that Rick’s impact locally goes far beyond district policies.
“He valued his family so much,” she said. “They meant so much to him, and he tried to bring them joy in any way he could. He was a mentor, friend, and a wealth of knowledge throughout my time on the board and will be deeply missed by so many.”
On behalf of the other school board members and the entire district, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Rick’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Information about memorial arrangements will be shared when it becomes available. Oregon School Boards Association
