From an Edmonds S.D. website announcement
March 3, 2020
The Edmonds School District Board of Directors has extended an offer to Dr. Gustavo Balderas to become the next superintendent. The board voted on their decision in a public meeting at the district office on March 3, 2020. Pending completion of contract negations, Dr. Balderas will start with the district on July 1, 2020. He will replace current superintendent Dr. Kris McDuffy, who is retiring at the end of this school year.
“We appreciate the community’s commitment to this hiring process by spending time and effort to provide input every step of the way,” said School Board President Dr. Deborah Kilgore. “As a result, we feel confident Dr. Balderas will make an immediate positive impact on our community.”
The board feels fortunate the district attracted two excellent candidates and says that this is a testament to the strength of our Edmonds School District community.
At Tuesday’s community forum students, families, staff and members of the community packed the Great Hall at Meadowdale High School to hear from Dr. Balderas and the other top finalist, Dr. Deborah Rumbaugh. More than 100 people also watched the live stream of the event on the district’s YouTube channel. Attendees could write down questions to be answered by the moderator. Those watching in person and online could fill out a feedback form. Those forms were all compiled and handed to the board members today to review before making their final decision.
Balderas was named both Oregon and U.S. Superintendent of the Year, an honor he credited to his 2,700 staff members “who work hard every day for our 17,000 kids.”
