On Thursday, February 13th Eugene School District’s Gustavo Balderas was named 2020 National Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators at the organization’s National Conference on Education in San Diego.

 “Gustavo is the definition of a humble servant leader – never asking for recognition or the spotlight – always working to make sure that others are served and lifted up,” said Craig Hawkins, Executive Director of COSA, at the award ceremony. “We are proud and excited that this well-deserved spotlight shines on him today.”

Balderas is the third National Superintendent of the Year from Oregon since 2007. He joins Krista Parent (South Lane School District) and Matt Utterback (North Clackamas School District).

Balderas was raised as the child of migrant farm workers in Nyssa, Oregon, near the Idaho border. He is a product of Oregon’s public school system and followed his K–12 education by earning his bachelor’s degree from Western Oregon University, his master’s degree from Portland State University, and his doctoral degree in education leadership from the University of Oregon. Balderas has been an educator for nearly 30 years, mostly in Oregon, starting his Oregon career as a high school teacher and counselor in the Hillsboro School District.

In addition to his work as Superintendent of the Eugene School District, Balderas serves in other local and statewide positions. He is the Superintendent Advisor to the Oregon State Board of Education, a member of the Executive Board of the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA), a member of the COSA Equity Advisory Board, and a board member of the Oregon Department of Education English Learner Advisory Group. Locally in Eugene, he serves on the boards of United Way of Lane County, the Eugene Chamber of Commerce, Trillium Community Health Plan, Connected Lane County, the Lane Early Learning Alliance, and PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Community Health Board.

Next time you see Gustavo, please congratulate him on this well-deserved honor.