Nancy Golden, superintendent of Springfield Public Schools since 2003, has received the Superintendent of the Year Award from the Oregon Association of School Executives (OASE) and the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators (COSA). This award automatically places Golden in the running for the National Superintendent of the Year Award from the American Association of School Administrators (AASA).

COSA and OASE representatives announced and presented the award to Golden this morning at the district’s administrative offices in downtown Springfield. Springfield Public Schools Board members, local and state elected officials, SPS staff, student board representatives and community supporters also attended the celebration.

“Nancy Golden is one of the finest educational leaders I have known in my 44 years in Oregon education,” said Kent Hunsaker, executive director of COSA. “She has been successful at every level of leadership, has brought incredible commitment and energy to every position she has held, and has made a positive difference in the lives of children, parents and educators throughout her career. Nancy is admired and respected by education leaders in all parts of Oregon and, on their behalf, we congratulate her on this honor.”

Golden also will be honored later this week at the Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) conference in Portland, as well as at the AASA National Conference on Education, Feb. 17-19, 2011, in Denver, and the annual COSA Conference in Seaside next June.

During her tenure, Golden has remained focused on the district’s vision of “Every Student a Graduate Prepared for a Bright and Successful Future.” She is credited with renewing the district’s focus on instructional leadership, even in the face of significant budget challenges, as evidenced by the success of programs, including the award-winning Gift of Literacy and the Academy of Arts and Academics (A3) high school that opened in 2006. Under her leadership, there has been a significant increase in community support for the district, including the expansion of the Springfield Education Foundation and an increase in partnerships with the local business community, city government and the University of Oregon. Golden consistently receives accolades in performance reviews for her communication skills, spirit of collaboration, data-driven approach and creative problem-solving, but is most often cited for her commitment to remain connected with students and staff in her district.

“Springfield and its school district have reaped tremendous benefit from the presence of Dr. Nancy Golden in our community and in her leading our school district,” said SPS Board Chair Garry Weber. “We are a better community because of Nancy's caring, commitment and compassion for the students of this fine district. We join in celebrating this high honor given to our outstanding superintendent, Dr. Nancy Golden.”

About the AASA National Superintendent of the Year Program

Now in its 24th year, the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) National Superintendent of the Year Program pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead our nation's public schools. Selection criteria include leadership for learning, communication, professionalism and community involvement. The program is sponsored by ARAMARK Education, ING and AASA. Any superintendent, chancellor or top leader of a United States, Canadian, or international school system who plans to continue in the profession may be nominated. Anyone may nominate a superintendent for this program. Most often, candidates are nominated by school board presidents, parents, community leaders or other superintendents. For more information, visit www.aasa.org.

About Springfield Public Schools

Springfield Public Schools strives for the academic excellence of all students. By providing a high-quality education guided by the community and outstanding teaching, the district aims to build a culture of trust and ensure positive learning opportunities. The district comprises 25 schools (16 elementary; five middle and four high schools) and serves approximately 11,000 students. More than half of the school community lives below the poverty line. For more information, visit www.sps.lane.edu.