The North Santiam School District Board gave a fond and grateful farewell to former Superintendent Andy Gardner when he attended his final board meeting June 16.
Gardner’s last day with the district was June 30 as he departs to become superintendent of Greater Albany Public Schools. The board has selected Ridgeview High School Principal Lee Loving to take over for Gardener beginning July 1.
Gardner has spent his entire educational career to this point in the area, starting as a Regis High School teacher in 1990 and then holding teaching, coaching and administrative positions with NSSD throughout his 32 years. He has spent the last 12 years as superintendent, leading the district out of The Great Recession, and through the COVID-19 pandemic and 2020 wildfires.
Board Chair Alisha Oliver said she still remembered him as “Mr. Gardner” from her time as a student at Stayton High School, where Gardner served as teacher and coach during the 1990s. Oliver said this impression was a testament to the lasting impact Gardner had as an educator.
“You haven’t just been the superintendent of these schools, you’ve been woven into the fabric of the community,” she said, “and that’s what makes a community tick and makes us want to live here, makes us want to have our kids here, makes us want to stay and not just leave town and never come back.”
Vice Chair Laura Wipper said one of Gardner’s strengths has been his thoughtfulness and willingness to reflect, which she said is foundational to his success as a leader and administrator.
“It’s been a great ride,” she said. “Thank you for all you’ve done and the position you’ve put the district in as you go off to Albany.”
Board Member Coral Ford pointed to Gardner’s role during the pandemic, noting the board probably witnessed only a small fraction of the community frustration Gardner encountered on a regular basis. His leadership and steadfastness helped the district and community persevere through a crisis many other administrators would have been unable to endure, she said.
“You carried forward and moved forward through all of it, and it takes an amazing person to be able to be that true leader,” said Ford. “So thank you for all you’ve done here.”
Gardner was quick to share credit for the district’s success and lauded the exceptional qualities of those he worked with.
“Whatever we’ve done, there’s always been a group of people making it happen,” he said. “I’ve just been getting people kind of together and, you know, starting to tip the bucket one way, and then, you know, things just happen and people move together – only together.”
The board presented Gardner that evening with its 2022 Golden Eagle Award, inscribing the qualities that set Gardener apart as superintendent.
The plaque reads: “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. One does not set out to be a leader but becomes one by the quality of their actions and the integrity of their intent. In the end, leaders are like eagles: They don’t flock. You find them one at a time.”
Gardner departs for an embattled district whose previous superintendent was fired by its board last year during disputes over policy including the implementation of COVID-19 protocols.
NSSD Board Member Erin Cramer said he hopes this transition will mark a new beginning for Gardner and Albany, given Gardner’s strong aptitudes.
“A fresh start is what a lot of people need,” said Cramer. “I hope it works out.”
