During its meeting on March 7, 2023, the Salem-Keizer School Board finalized the contract for the next Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) Superintendent, Andrea Castañeda. She will assume duties as the district’s superintendent on July 1, 2023.
Here’s what SKPS said about the announcement and Andrea:
“Andrea is a visionary leader with a depth of experience that will drive Salem-Keizer Public Schools to achieve extraordinary outcomes for our students,” said Salem-Keizer School Board Chair Ashley Carson Cottingham. “I am proud of the work the board has done throughout this process, with the input from our staff, families and community members to guide us. We could all see Andrea’s immense talent, coupled with her empathy and self-reflection – making her the clear choice to serve as our next superintendent at this critical moment for public schools.”
Castañeda has more than 20 years of experience serving in complex school systems to improve education, most recently as the chief talent and equity officer and formerly as the chief innovation and strategy officer for Tulsa Public Schools in Oklahoma. With experience leading at the state and district levels, Castañeda has a track record of success and a reputation for leading with humility and heart. In addition, she has a wealth of practical experience leading finance, career and technical education, teaching and learning, talent, operations and more.
Salem Chamber CEO Tom Hoffert added:
“The identification of our new Superintendent of Salem-Keizer Public Schools marks an important transition between administrations. The Salem Chamber and our valued members count on skilled and engaged young people graduating from our public education system and being ready to enter our local workforce or continue their strategic education and training. Our organization has deeply valued a strong partnership with the Salem-Keizer School District and Superintendent Christy Perry during her nine years of service in this key leadership role. Our Board of Directors team is eager to welcome Superintendent Castañeda to our communities of Salem & Keizer as we seek to partner with her and her dedicated staff team to continue to raise the bar in local student achievement and workforce readiness.”
About her new position, Andrea Castañeda said:
“I was raised in Oregon, so this is a homecoming for me. When I spend time in Salem-Keizer, I see parts of my own history and story: students bursting with potential, a community that sees its diversity as an asset and a gift, and a school system wholly dedicated to students. I am honored to join and serve the Salem-Keizer community.”