Salem, Oregon- The Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators, a subset of the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA), has named Robin Buckingham, principal of Claggett Creek Middle School in Salem-Keizer Public Schools, as a 2026 Oregon Middle School Principal of the Year. COSA Executive Director Dr. Krista Parent surprised Buckingham with the announcement during a school visit on Friday, December 19.

Buckingham was selected for her exceptional instructional leadership, sustained academic results, and her ability to build inclusive, high-functioning school communities that support both students and staff. In his nomination of Buckingham, Matt Biondi, Salem Keizer Public Schools Director of Middle Schools, stated, “Robin is an exceptional leader whose clarity of purpose, deep integrity, and unwavering commitment to equity have transformed her school community.”

Under Buckingham’s leadership, Claggett Creek Middle School achieved some of the strongest academic growth among district middle schools during the 2024–25 school year. English language arts proficiency increased by 9.5 percentage points overall—including a 13.2-point gain in 8th grade—while math proficiency rose by 5.5 points schoolwide and 6.3 points in 8th grade, a critical accountability benchmark in Oregon 

These gains reflect a coherent instructional system rooted in data-informed decision-making, strong professional learning communities, and a clear focus on high expectations paired with high support.

Claggett Creek is also an AVID National Demonstration School, a distinction sustained under Buckingham’s leadership and reflective of the school’s alignment across instruction, culture, and systems 

Her leadership has emphasized equity in practice, not just principle—expanding student clubs and affinity groups, strengthening supports for English Learners through dedicated teams and after-school tutoring, and removing barriers through late transportation options. She has also built meaningful partnerships to support Claggett Creek’s Islander community, deepening cultural pride and belonging.

Known as a thoughtful and humble leader, Buckingham is widely respected for developing leadership capacity in others. She has strengthened PLCs into results-oriented teams, implemented clear feedback cycles, and fostered a culture of trust, accountability, and collective efficacy. Her leadership philosophy—“high expectations with high support”—is reflected in both the school’s outcomes and its culture.

“Robin represents what strong middle school leadership looks like in Oregon,” said Dr. Parent. “She delivers results while centering belonging, equity, and the growth of others. Her work sets a standard for the profession.”

As a 2026 Oregon Middle School Principal of the Year nominee, Buckingham will be considered for national recognition and honored by COSA alongside other outstanding school leaders across Oregon.