Beloved CTE and forestry teacher retires at CMHS

This past first semester, Clatskanie Middle High School (CMHS) has been preparing to say goodbye to one of its beloved teachers, Mr. Deney Flatz. Mr. Flatz has been teaching at CMHS for seven years. Before teaching at the school, he worked as a logger and contract timber faller. He will be replaced by Jeffery Opsahl, who has some big shoes to fill in the coming months.

During a final interview with Mr. Flatz, I sat down and asked him several questions. First off, I started with the standard, “What are some of the greatest achievements your forestry class has accomplished?” Mr. Flatz answered, "Mixing fun and learning about everyone, that everyone has fun at fire school, coming in as the top three at state in competitions, and lastly the unity and the continuity of the team.”

Secondly, I asked him, “What is one of your favorite moments in all your years of teaching here?” He said, “The clam digging trips.” I asked him, “What will you miss most from Clatskanie?” He replied, “All the students and staff.” I asked, “What is your legacy?” Mr. Flatz answered that “his biological children are all successful.” I also asked, “What do you hope the future of the forestry program looks like?” He replied, “That it stays strong and continues on and improves.” He also said, “He knows it will.” Lastly, I asked, “Who is your successor and what do you expect of him?” He replied, “Jeffery Opsahl” and that he expects Mr. Opsahl to “continue on with his knowledge and improve the program.”

Forestry students had this to say about Mr. Flatz regarding their favorite memory with him. One freshman described him as “funny” and another, a junior, joked “any time he was not yelling at him.” Regarding thoughts on their teacher’s replacement, both students felt that the new teacher will be good but that they will miss Mr. Flatz.

In an interview with Jeffery Opsahl, the new forestry teacher stated that “he was highly convinced by Mr. Flatz to come and replace him” and of the importance of carrying on the program. Prior to coming to teach at CMHS, Opsahl was working in the logging industry, like his mentor, Mr. Flatz. When asked how he feels about taking over, Mr. Opsahl said he’s “absolutely excited to be here” and shared his knowledge. Mr. Opsahl said for the foreseeable future with the forestry class he plans to “continue on the legacy of the program and improve on that to the best of his abilities.” Still, he knows he will never be able to fill Mr. Flatz’s shoes. Welcome to the school Mr. Opsahl.