On Saturday, members of the Oregon School Boards Association gathered in downtown Portland for the 69th annual convention, and all applauded this year’s Oregon Superintendent of the Year: Heidi Sipe of Umatilla.
“I’m still very overwhelmed by being selected,” Sipe said on Sunday. “It’s not something I thought or even considered for myself, so it was quite a surprise to be selected.”
“Heidi’s district may be small, but her impact on education in Oregon has been huge,” said Craig Hawkins, executive director of the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators (COSA). “She possesses a deep commitment to a successful future for each and every student in Oregon, and is a true champion for equity, for English language learners and for students who live in poverty. Heidi is a unique leader who brings a healthy dose of ‘can-do’ spirit, along with a rare combination of intellect and common sense, to every endeavor.”
Award selection is made by the Oregon Association of School Executives (OASE) and the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators (COSA). Officials pointed out Sipe’s efforts in increasing college credit opportunities, founding the STEM Academy of Umatilla and the award-winning FIRST Robotics “4125 Team Confidential” to her district. The STEM Academy brings science, technology, engineering and math programs to more than 600 students each year, and the Umatilla School District now has more than 200 students involved in FIRST Robotics –giving it the second highest student participation percentage for any district in the nation.
Officials also lauded Sipe’s numerous leadership roles including: OASE President in 2014-15; COSA Board of Directors, 2013-15; Teacher Standards and Practices Commissioner, 2013-present; Chair of Oregon’s Next Generation Accountability Systems (ESEA Waiver) Work Group, 2010-12; legislative School Funding Task Force, 2013-14; Education Enterprise Steering Committee, 2008-12; OASE Funding Coalition Steering Committee, 2010-present; OASE Vision & Policy Coalition Steering Committee, 2011-present; and Northwest Women in Educational Administration Board, 2009-11.
Sipe and her husband, Kyle, spent the weekend in Portland for the conference and award festivities.
“The weekend was very nice, a number of people from Umatilla came down to help me celebrate,” Sipe said. “I appreciated seeing their faces in the audience for the speech. I’m very fortunate to work for wonderful students in a place full of adults who are dedicated to students. I also appreciate all the support from my board. They’re truly wonderful people with such kid- focused hearts.”
In addition to the OSBA conference, Sipe will also be recognized at state and national events during the next year. In addition, the award qualifies Sipe for the National Superintendent of the Year award from the American Association of School Administrators.
