November 04, 2013

Don Grotting is Oregon Superintendent of the Year

An alumnus of the Lewis & Clark educational administration program, Don Grotting, has been named Oregon’s 2014 Superintendent of the Year.

An alumnus of the Lewis & Clark educational administration program, Don Grotting, has been named Oregon’s 2014 Superintendent of the Year. Grotting manages one of Oregon’s largest public school districts, where 80 percent of students come from low-income families.

Administrators in the David Douglas School District nominated Grotting for his leadership, flexible communication skills, and passion for students. Their nomination letter credits him with a determination that all students “can and will succeed,” despite racial barriers and poverty. In that spirit, Grotting has encouraged his district’s low income students to apply for college. Last year, The Oregonian reported, “Sixty-two percent of David Douglas graduates entered college, compared with college-going rates in the upper 40s for most districts serving similar populations.”

Next, Grotting will contend for national superintendent in 2014. The Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, The Oregonian reported, nominated him, citing “leadership for learning, professionalism, communication and community involvement.” Grotting completed the Standard Superintendent licensure program  at Lewis & Clark in 2000.

Learn more about the Educational Administration program at Lewis & Clark.

Caleb Diehl ‘17 contributed to this story.