Dr. Gustavo Balderas named to lead the district
March 18, 2015 — The Eugene School Board has voted to make a formal offer of employment to Dr. Gustavo Balderas to become the next superintendent of Eugene School District 4J.
After a months-long superintendent search process that has involved extensive community and staff involvement, the board named Dr. Balderas as the top candidate on March 12. The board voted unanimously on March 18 to make an offer of employment. The board is expected to finalize a contract with Dr. Balderas soon.
School board chair Jim Torrey says, “Dr. Balderas is a committed, caring, high-caliber educational leader. He is thoughtful and committed to education and understands the importance of equity and inclusion. He is also a committed listener and collaborator. We saw in his visit to Eugene that he really heard what our community said they wanted in a new superintendent. He is praised by colleagues and community members for his extraordinary commitment to inclusive, collaborative leadership. We believe he is an excellent fit for our district and for Eugene.”
Dr. Balderas, who goes by “Gus,” has deep roots in Oregon, having grown up in the state and served as an Oregon teacher and education administrator for nearly 20 years. He earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from Oregon universities. He is currently superintendent of Ocean View School District in Huntington Beach, California.
“I am deeply humbled to be offered this opportunity and eager to join the 4J team,” Dr. Balderas says. “The Eugene community’s support for and engagement with public schools are truly exceptional, as is the district’s commitment to providing quality education even in difficult circumstances. I’m looking forward to returning to my home state of Oregon, setting down roots in Eugene, and engaging with the district and the community to carry forward that tradition of excellence.”
Dr. Balderas is expected to begin his position on July 1.
Learn more
Read the news release
About Dr. Gustavo Balderas
About the superintendent search process
