Reporter for The Canyon Weekly
The North Santiam School District Board has chosen Lee Loving as its next superintendent following a three-month search to replace outgoing Superintendent Andy Gardner.
Loving will fill the role starting July 1 after Gardner departs to serve as superintendent of Greater Albany Public Schools.
Board Chair Alisha Oliver said Loving, who is currently principal of Ridgeview High School in Redmond, was chosen for many qualities, including his experience as an Oregon-based educator.
“Mr. Loving brings a strong knowledge of educational practices in Oregon to NSSD,” said Oliver. “Even more so, he values connecting with people and building relationships centered on trust, collaboration, effective communication and high expectations.”
The board hired Loving unanimously and said in a press release they “look forward to many successful years working together.”
Lee has been an educator in Oregon for nearly 24 years, including 19 years as an administrator. He has also served as president of the Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators, and on the board of the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators, which in 2019 honored Loving as Oregon Secondary Principal of the Year.
Loving said he and his family are thrilled to become part of NSSD and he feels blessed to have already met so many staff and community members during recent town hall gatherings.
“I am heavily devoted to listening and learning more about the great work that has been done as we look for ways to help every student in the NSSD continue to have an amazing educational experience as they progress through our schools,” he said.
“Again, we are so excited to join the NSSD family and look forward to meeting even more folks in Stayton, Sublimity, Mehama and Lyons in the weeks and months to come. Go Cheetahs! Go Hornets! Go Wildcats! Go Vikings! Go Eagles!”
