SPRINGFIELD – After serving as principal of the Academy of Arts & Academics since 2018, Ame Beard plans to retire at the end of the school year, refocusing her efforts on her art and on using her historical home in Drain as an event venue.
“The school is in a fantastic place. We have achieved 100% graduation in 2024, and it looks good this year to have a high success rate,” Beard said. “The school is in a good place in the culture. Things are going smoothly. It is a good time to hand off the reins.”
Beard previously worked as the assistant principal at Churchill High School in Eugene for two years. She became the principal at A3 in June 2018 after the former principal, Michael Fisher, was accused of sexual contact with a student in February 2018, which led to a school lockdown and Fisher’s suicide, the Register-Guard and KLCC reported back then.
The A3 community, grief-stricken and outraged, faced a difficult transition, as Fisher had been instrumental in creating the school in 2006 as a haven for students.
Entering this challenging environment was a significant hurdle for the new principal. Beard stated that her primary challenge was to restructure the school’s framework and enhance its educational setting.
During her first year, she transitioned the school into a district-comprehensive high school, meaning it would be integrated into the local school district rather than operating independently as a charter school. Additionally, she sought approval from the district and the state to convert the school into a magnet school, which typically offers specialized programs or curricula to attract students.
Beard has done so much to help the school thrive since that time.
Beard is “the most supportive principal I’ve ever worked with,” said Jenny Cathey, teacher at A3. “When you come to her with a concern or a problem, her first response is, ‘What do you need? How can I help?’ And then she follows through and does it!”
Today, with about 230 students enrolled, A3 is known for its non-traditional path for students with a particular interest in creative expression and in-depth learning. It is rooted in project-based learning, integration of visual and performing arts with core academics, flexible scheduling, and community service.
New beginnings, old home
This has been a busy time for Beard. In May 2025, she opened Capricorn Manor with her partner, Jim Beard, as an event venue and antique mall. This location was initially called the Hasard House, a Queen Anne-style house built in 1902 at 105 W. A Ave. The house features a variety of exterior textures, including multiple ornamented gables and a tower rising above the main entrance.
According to the City of Drain, Charles Hasard moved to Oregon in 1880, where he worked as a carpenter for the Oregon and California Railroad. He arrived in Drain in 1892 and started his career as a hotelkeeper. Later, he became a farmer and a merchant. In 1902, Hasard was appointed as a U.S. Land Commissioner.
Nowadays, Hasard House, now called Capricorn Manor, serves as a fantasy Victorian event venue with an antique mall and vendor shops.
On Jan 10, they will host “Nevermore,” an indoor masquerade ball with live music, art displays, ghost photos, and an outdoor fire pit. The event is open to the public, and an RSVP is required.
Hosting isn’t new for Beard.
Since 2008, owner Beard has hosted various events, including the Victorian Tea and the Art Car Fire Fest. Last year marked the seventh year that the City of Drain partnered with Beard to host the annual summer tea party and garden tour, an initiative she played a crucial role in launching. Other notable events organized by Beard include last year’s Midsummer Night’s Dream Tea Party, Oktoberfest, and a mermaid-themed party.
For eight years, she served on the board of the North Douglas County Fair and, for three of those years, acted as chair, helping to organize the Art Car Fire Fest. The Art Car Fire Fest concluded in 2024.
“Ame is probably one of the hardest-working and generous people that I know,” Mindy Ferrill, who served as chairman of the board. “When it comes to the North Douglas County Fair, she always filled the void. If there were a need, she would fill it.”
Beard brought artist demonstrations, lessons, and displays to the fair, which helped it grow.
“We were able to get more grants and build the fair up. It was about providing free community services to build up the fair,” Ferrill said.
Beard continues to make plans for the venue and herself. Capricorn Manor will be used as an art space.
Her art ranges from LED-reactive three-dimensional paintings to functional art, such as lights.
“My plan is to immerse myself in showing and showcasing my art – but also showcasing other artists, if another artist fits the aesthetic: fairy, fantasy, gothic or steampunk,” Beard said.
