Eugene, Oregon Schools Superintendent Awarded 2020 National Superintendent of the Year

Gustavo Balderas was recognized as the 2020 National Superintendent of the Year by the AASA, the national School Superintendents Association in February.

During his four years in Eugene, Balderas led efforts to increase overall graduation rates, to significantly increase the Latino graduation rate, and to grow the number of people of color in key leadership positions. District figures cited that around 40% of Eugene principals, and 2/3 of administrators are people of color. In a statement to the AASA, Balderas said the statistic was born from his leadership team’s desire to have school staff reflect the students they serve.

“It is truly an honor to serve in the role of superintendent of the Eugene Public Schools. I am blessed to be in my community,” said Balderas in a statement. “Seeing that kids are succeeding because of the changes we’re making drives me. We, as leaders, need to be champions for our profession. Education is the backbone to our democracy.”

Balderas 30-year career has included working in the Hillsboro, Oregon school district, and also serving as the superintendent in two California districts. He also has served as a board member of the Oregon School Activities Association, on the Oregon Leadership Network, and is the founding member and past president of the Oregon Association of Latino Administrators. He grew up in Nyssa, Oregon and attended Western Oregon University, Portland State, and the University of Oregon where he earned his undergraduate, masters, and Ph.D. degrees respectively.

Balderas accepted a new position as the superintendent of the Edmonds, Washington School District in Snohomish County near Seattle and will start there on July 1. He will complete the school year in Eugene.