A new superintendent has been announced to lead Beaverton schools next year.
Gustavo Balderas will take over on July 1 following the retirement of current superintendent Don Grotting
“I will continue to work with staff and community on improving an already phenomenal school system to ensure that we’re meeting the needs of all students in the district,” Balderas said in a press release announcing the new superintendent.
“We need to engage our kids to help them define their own successes as they progress through BSD.”
Balderas has led the Edmonds School District in Washington for the last two years, but has served in districts in Oregon and California. Before taking over in Edmonds, Balderas was the superintendent for Eugene 4j schools for 5 years.
During his time in Eugene, Balderas was named national superintendent of the year by the American School Superintendents Association, in 2020.
Previously, Balderas’ children attended Beaverton schools while he worked in the Hillsboro School District.
As the first-generation son of Mexican immigrants growing up in Oregon and California, Balderas said he understands some of what students in poverty or learning a new language might be dealing with, as the district continues to change.
”These experiences will help me connect with students and families and help identify ways to meet the needs of our students furthest from educational justice,” Balderas said.
Districts across Oregon are in the midst of superintendent searches, including Grants Pass, Corbett, Oregon City, and the Newberg School District. The Coalition of Oregon School Administrators lists four current superintendent or acting superintendent openings for Eugene 4j, Jewell, Dayville and North Santiam.
Earlier this month, Woodburn School District announced the hiring of Joe Morelock for the top job. Morelock was most recently the superintendent in Newberg before a school board majority dismissed him with no cause given.
