Salem, Oregon – The Oregon Association of Central Office Administrators (OACOA), a branch of the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA), is proud to announce that Rachel Aazzerah has been named the recipient of the 2026 OACOA Achievement of Excellence Award. Aazzerah, Director of Assessment and Systems Improvement for Reynolds School District, was recognized for her extraordinary leadership, deep commitment to equity, and lasting impact on student achievement through systems-level improvement work. Aazzerah was surprised with this recognition at the 2026 Winter Conference in Salem this week. 

Over the past five years, Aazzerah has led Reynolds School District’s assessment and accountability systems, curriculum adoptions, and continuous improvement structures—work that has strengthened transparency, instructional response, and public understanding of student outcomes. She also serves on the district’s Teacher and Administrator Evaluation Committee, fulfills duties as the district’s expulsion hearings officer, and applies improvement science as a Yellow Belt Six Sigma professional. 

Aazzerah’s career spans more than 25 years and includes extensive experience across classroom teaching, Title I coordination, district testing leadership, statewide assessment work with the Oregon Department of Education, and national test development. This breadth of expertise has made her a trusted leader in aligning assessment systems with high-quality instruction and equitable student supports. 

Her contributions extend beyond Reynolds, including national training for test coordinators focused on equitable assessment and accessibility, and a robust history of statewide professional learning through COSA and other forums. She has also created user-friendly accountability tools and dashboards that help school leaders identify gaps, track progress, and guide improvement planning. 

“Rachel is a visionary systems thinker with both the technical expertise and the human-centered leadership style needed to advance achievement for all students,” shared Reynolds School District Superintendent Frank Caropelo. 

COSA Executive Director, Dr. Krista Parent continued, “Rachel exemplifies the very best of educational leadership—brilliant, deeply caring, and relentlessly committed to ensuring every decision she makes centers on student success. Her tireless work on behalf of students, staff, and families in the Reynolds School District reflects the heart, integrity, and impact that COSA's Achievement of Excellence represents.”

The OACOA Achievement of Excellence Award is given annually to an outstanding education leader who demonstrates exceptional commitment to advancing student success and strengthening school communities. Aazzerah’s work exemplifies the power of thoughtful leadership to build stronger systems—and stronger outcomes—for students and educators.