La Grande, Oregon- The Oregon Association of School Executives (OASE) is proud to announce George Mendoza, Superintendent of the La Grande School District, as the 2026 Oregon Superintendent of the Year. Mendoza was selected for his visionary leadership, deep community roots, and unwavering dedication to student achievement. He will now move forward as Oregon’s nominee for the AASA National Superintendent of the Year award.

“George Mendoza is a leader for ALL - the students in his district, the staff that serve those students and the community as a whole,” shared COSA Executive Director, Dr. Krista Parent. “George is a trusted and highly respected colleague for leaders across the state. It is an honor for George to be named COSA's 2026 Oregon Superintendent of the Year.”

Since becoming superintendent in 2017, Mendoza has transformed La Grande into a district recognized statewide for innovation, equity, and excellence. Under his leadership, the district has:

• Achieved a 98% completion rate for the Class of 2025,
• Boosted graduation rates for students with disabilities from 48% in 2019 to 83% in 2025,
• Launched the Tiger Homes program, enabling students to build and sell homes to support the local workforce,
• Completed the new Wildcat Center, a $12M facility housing three gyms and six classrooms
• Expanded mental health and social-emotional supports through the district’s “Culture of Care,” and
• Established a direct enrollment partnership with Eastern Oregon University, eliminating college access barriers for students.

Mendoza, a first-generation immigrant and native Spanish speaker, is known for his commitment to removing barriers and building opportunity for all students. He is active in both state and local leadership, serving on the Oregon State School Board, Eastern Oregon University Board of Trustees, OSAA Executive Board, and PACE Board of Trustees, among others.

“George has built a district that reflects his excellence, care, and continuous improvement,” wrote Leatha Canfield, OSEA President and nominator. “His leadership has resulted in stronger outcomes for students, greater opportunities for staff, increased opportunity and access for all, and a school district that is quickly becoming a model of rural innovation and success in Oregon.”

The OASE Superintendent of the Year Award recognizes extraordinary leadership among Oregon’s public school superintendents. Mendoza's work exemplifies the values of student-centered systems, community collaboration, and educational equity that define the role today.