Debbie Vought

In the late 90's Debbie Vought was a frustrated English teacher. The students she taught weren't able to concentrate and absorb the information she was providing them with because there were too many other issues going on in their lives, issues including lack of parental support and substance abuse. Meantime, the nation was being gripped by a tragic series of school shootings, one them hitting close to home in Springfield, Oregon. Vought had researched the benefits of promoting character education in schools as a way to reduce dangerous behaviors, and upon further study discovered extensive research showing one to one mentoring helps steer at risk kids in the right direction. Armed with that knowledge, Vought approached Klamath County's District Attorney who agreed and offered to help her launch the organization Citizens for Safe Schools to which she still serves as Executive Director. Vought is a mother of two young men, a wife, and a passionate educator and advocate for all the children of Klamath County.