February 05, 2016

Alumna Heidi Sipe Named Oregon’s 2016 Superintendent of the Year

Sipe, a graduate of the Educational Leadership department, is the superintendent for the Umatilla School District in northeast Oregon where nearly 90 percent of students qualify for free or reduced meals, and more than two-thirds are students of color.

Heidi Sipe, a Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling alumna, has been named 2016 Oregon Superintendent of the Year by the Oregon Association of School Executives (OASE) and the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators (COSA). Sipe, a graduate of the Educational Leadership department, is the superintendent for the Umatilla School District in northeast Oregon where nearly 90 percent of students qualify for free or reduced meals, and more than two-thirds are students of color.

Sipe has been an educational leader in Oregon for over a decade, but her most recent and ground-breaking achievement has been the creation and installation of the STEM Academy of Umatilla—a powerful program that provides STEM courses to over 600 students a year. And her involvement in the program goes beyond administration; Sipe also serves as a volunteer coach of the district’s award-winning FIRST Robotics team. 

“When we gather Oregon superintendents in a room, Heidi is a leader among leaders,” said Beaverton Superintendent and fellow Lewis & Clark alum Jeff Rose, who currently serves as OASE President. “As we would all hope and expect, she is passionate about student success and deeply committed to her community. What sets Heidi apart is her keen ability to think strategically guided by her integrity. She is a collaborative leader, known throughout Oregon for being a good listener and a bold educator.”

Since receiving this award, Sipe is now a contender for the honor of national superintendent of 2016. Her work stands for itself, but Sipe also has the backing of her colleagues in Oregon to support her nomination.

“Heidi is an outstanding educational leader with a deep commitment to equity and a strong belief in the promise and potential of each and every child,” said Salam Noor, Oregon Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Her passion, dedication, and vision make her a true asset not just to her district and region but to the whole state. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor.”

Sipe isn’t the only Graduate School alum to receive this distinction. Don Grottling, a graduate of the educational administration program, was name Oregon Superintendent of the Year in 2014.

Read the full article announcing Sipe’s distinction at the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators website.