Dr. Robert Bolden, principal of Sheldon High School in Eugene, has been awarded top honors as Oregon’s High School Principal of the Year.  A twenty-two year veteran administrator, he has been Sheldon’s principal for the past seven years. 

“Dr. Bob,” as he’s affectionately called by students, parents, and staff, received both his Bachelor and Masters of Science from University of Oregon, and completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Education from Oregon State University.  An active member of his community, he received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award from the Human Rights Commission in Eugene in 2002.  Most recently, he was awarded the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for Social Justice. 

In his quest for continuous improvement in the areas of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Dr. Bolden has put several programs and initiatives in place, such as their Tech Paths Curriculum Mapping System, which reduces curriculum redundancy and aligns curriculum with state and national standards.  Over the past few years, all teachers in the English department at Sheldon High School have been AP certified, and a building-wide “Writing Across the Curriculum” initiative was put into place.  As a result of these and other efforts, the number of students reaching benchmarks in reading, writing, math, and science has risen steadily since 2005.

During the 2004-05 year, a 9th grade advisor program was developed and implemented.  The program expanded to include all grades, with each teacher mentoring and supporting a group of 20-25 students throughout their high school years.  Their goals included easing the transition from middle to high school, improving student/teacher relationships, career and life planning, and to help build community and school culture.  Positive outcomes included fewer disciplinary incidents and suspensions.
One of his proudest accomplishments was the creation of a Multicultural Class he started at Sheldon High School, which met with some initial staff resistance.  However, the class has now been taken by hundreds of Sheldon students from all backgrounds, and student evaluations of the class indicate that it has made an incredible impact on their overall education.

“Dr. Bob is an excellent administrator and a leader with vision.  He has been a strong leader for diversity and equity at his school and within the district and community,” states George Russell, superintendent of the Eugene School District.

Dr. Bolden will be honored at the Annual COSA Conference in Seaside June 24-26, and at the Principal’s Conference in October.  All state winners will be invited to attend a Principal’s Institute and Awards Banquet in Washington D.C. next year, where they will be honored for their accomplishments, and provided with a forum to share best practices.  The event will be sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals and MetLife.