Salem, Oregon- The Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) honored Umatilla School District Superintendent Heidi Sipe with the Colt Gill Leadership Award at the 2025 Oregon School Law Conference in Eugene last week. The award recognizes Sipe’s extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment to public education, particularly on behalf of rural and emerging bilingual students.

Sipe was nominated by 18 superintendents and one assistant superintendent from the InterMountain Education Service District— marking the first time in COSA history that a leadership award nomination has been submitted and unanimously endorsed by an entire region of superintendents. 

Since 2007, Sipe has led the Umatilla School District with a focus on creating opportunities that ensure every student can thrive. Under her leadership, Umatilla has implemented innovative after-school programs, expanded STEAM learning, and built a robotics program recognized statewide and nationally,  demonstrating that rural geography should never determine access to world-class learning. 

Her influence extends far beyond Umatilla. Sipe has played a significant role in statewide initiatives through service on the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission, Oregon Taskforce on School Funding, the Educator Advancement Council, and the Executive Committee of AASA, The School Superintendents Association. Her advocacy in Salem and Washington, D.C., continues to elevate the needs of rural and emerging bilingual students. 

“She’s a leader’s leader,” said Dr. Krista Parent, COSA Executive Director. “Heidi is the most thoughtful, caring and kind leader I have ever known — and she is such a gift to students in the Umatilla School District.”

During her tenure as the longest-sitting female superintendent in a single Oregon district, Sipe has successfully guided her district and other rural regions through significant statewide challenges. She also increased student opportunities and bolstered support for educators. A former leader of innovation and improvement efforts at the Oregon Department of Education, Sipe was recognized as Oregon Superintendent of the Year in 2016.

Sipe is well-known among colleagues for her leadership philosophy: “You can’t beat me, because I want you to win too.”

The Colt Gill Leadership Award is named for Colt Gill and honors the legacy of a steady and courageous leader who served Lane County communities and later the entire state as the Director of the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). The award celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional impact, a tireless work ethic in areas of statewide significance, strong advocacy for educators, and steadfast leadership through complex circumstances — all qualities that define Sipe’s career and ongoing contributions to Oregon’s public schools.