Balderas a finalist for superintendent job in Washington

Eugene School District 4J Superintendent Gustavo Balderas has been named a finalist to take over as superintendent for Edmonds School District in Washington state.

5 years, it looks like 4-j superintendent gustavo balderas is seeking a new job.

Thanks for joining us, i'm matt templeman.

And i'm chynna greene, in for renee.

He is one of two finalists for a superintendent position at the edmonds school district in the seattle metro area.

Kezi 9 news reporter chris lueneburg spoke to some parents about the news today and is live at the 4-j adminsitration building... and chris, what did you hear?

Matt, renee, i've gotten mixed reactions from a lot of parents today... some feel he'd be leaving behind some major projects if he left... others say say he's made some major strides towards equity and inclusion... meaning his legacy will be strong whether he leaves or not.

Balderas started in 2015-- you're looking at some footage of him welcoming teachers during his first school year.

I spoke to one parent who says that since then, balderas has helped make the district more welcoming for people of color-- and that even if he leaves, he's created a strong foundation to continue equity efforts.

He's really rolled up his sleeves when it comes to diversifying the portfolio across the board for 4j, adding more qualified members of color to our society, getting kids involved and saying, 'hey these people on our administration team look like he's really rolled up his sleeves when it comes to diversifying the portfolio across the board for 4j, adding more qualified members of color to our society, getting kids involved and saying, 'hey these people on our administration team look like me and are someone i can trust."

Parents and teachers point out that balderas would also leave behind several big projects-- including 2018's 319 dollar bond measure-- which he championed.

We'll hear if balderas got the job in late march to early april-- but looking at his contract, he can resign at any time with 90 days notice.

Reporting in eugene i'm chris lueneburg kezi 9 news.

Eugene has only had four superintendents over the last 26 years.

Before balderas... sheldon berman ran the district from 2011 to 2015.

George russell was superintendent from 98 to 2011.

And margarat nichols was the top educator for 14 years...