Superintendent Andy Gardner, a longtime educator with the North Santiam School District, has resigned from his position to accept a superintendent post with Greater Albany Public Schools.
Gardner tendered his resignation Feb. 4 after the GAPS board of directors voted unanimously to extend an employment offer during a special meeting Feb. 3.
He will remain with NSSD through June 30 as the district searches for his successor. Th board plans to select and announce a new superintendent May 5. Before that date, the district plans to collect input from the public regarding the desired qualities of a new superintendent, including an online survey that is open through March 1.
A statement from the NSSD board of directors thanked Gardner for his efforts and for leaving the district with a strong reputation, which they said would aid in finding a new superintendent.
“Andy will be very much missed, but we wish him great success in his new endeavor,” said the board.
Gardner began his educational career in 1990 as a teacher and coach at Regis High School. Later positions included vice principal and athletic director at Stayton High School, principal at Sublimity Elementary School and principal at Stayton Intermediate/Middle School. He was hired as NSSD superintendent in 2010 with a vision of improving the relationship between schools and the community.
GAPS board members said Feb. 3 Gardner’s performance at NSSD was evidence of his ability to meet their high standards and they felt confident they had chosen the right candidate.
The board fired former GAPS Superintendent Melissa Goff without cause July 14, 2021, amid community frustration with COVID-19 policies, policing on campus, and racial equity in curricula. The board has not given an official reason for the decision, however Board Chair Eric Aguinaga told Oregon Public Broadcasting Goff had become a polarizing figure. Goff claims she was let go because of her progressive stance on politically-divisive issues.
Goff’s firing created ripples throughout the state and, on Feb. 1, a bill was introduced to the Oregon Senate which would prevent school boards from firing superintendents for complying with state or federal law, including executive actions.
