“Our state is headed in the right direction under the leadership of Governor Kitzhaber, and I strongly support his ambitious goals for Oregon. “I have accepted the position of Regional Vice President for Project Lead The Way, a non-profit national leader in STEM education beginning July 1, 2012. Accepting this position allows me to continue providing leadership for our school children on a national level. I’m excited to join an organization that is focused on creating inspiring learning opportunities for students in Oregon and across the country in science, technology, engineering, and math.
“This opportunity fits perfectly with my strong belief that every one of our children is capable of reaching high levels of achievement. As we’ve seen, when we set higher standards for Oregon students, they make greater gains in their academic achievement. Our students have unlimited potential that we must support and foster.
“I leave the office of State Superintendent with many system changes in place. In spite of funding challenges, we have new diploma requirements to better prepare our students for their next steps, our NCLB waiver is moving towards approval, we have made progress on closing the academic achievement gap, and we are expanding full-day kindergarten across the state.
“In particular, I want to salute all of the Celebrating Student Success award winning schools for your unwavering commitment to your students and your courage to not allow any obstacle to get in the way of student success. You are leading the way for Oregon. You are my heroes.
“I feel very blessed to have served the people of Oregon in public office and to have worked with the talented staff at the Oregon Department of Education. I want to thank Oregon’s citizens, everyone in our public schools, in our post secondary institutions, and in the business community for all that you do every day to make a difference for our children.”
Susan Castillo
