Superintendent’s Office
The superintendent provides leadership for the district and is ultimately responsible for all areas of the district’s operation. The superintendent provides executive leadership and administrative direction for all departments, services and programs, and is responsible for proposing and implementing long-range plans.
Dr. Mickelson has served as the superintendent of Eugene School District 4J since July 1, 2025.
From the Superintendent
Dear 4J Community,
This week, March 2-6, is Classified Employee Appreciation Week in Oregon. Classified staff play roles that are specific and vital to K-12 like classroom educational assistants, health,
safety and security staff, school bus drivers, office staff, nutrition services and many others. They also serve as experts in many other fields found outside the school system: human resources, financial services, facilities management, grounds, warehouse, custodial, office support, and more. They bring their expertise, care, and heart to our school district to allow our operation to be the best it can be in the business of educating and caring for students.
In 4J, I know that our Classified staff are well-loved by students, families and their peers in our schools and district departments. Nevertheless, I encourage everyone to take a moment to think about the ways that Classified staff members who you know make things better for all of us and make a difference for students… and take time to say “thank you” and let them know they’re appreciated and seen!
One of the wonderful things that I see out in our schools that is worth celebrating: our true team spirit in 4J. The way our Classified staff work seamlessly with our licensed and managerial, administrative, professional and supervisory staff, in taking on the challenges of supporting schools and students every day.
— Dr. Miriam Mickelson
Learn more about Dr. Miriam Mickelson
Contact Information
Superintendent
Miriam Mickelson | 541-790-7716
Operations Manager
Lisa Fjordbeck | 541-790-7716
Superintendent's Entry Plan
This entry plan marks the beginning of a multi-year commitment to building a stronger, more equitable, and aligned school system — one grounded in student learning and belonging. As superintendent, my leadership is shaped by the values of:
- Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: Every student and adult feels seen, valued and connected, particularly those historically and currently marginalized.
- Collaboration: We lead together, learn together and grow together.
- Compassion: We act with kindness, empathy, transparency, and care in all relationships.
- Longevity and Sustainability: We build systems and empower people for lasting impact.
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The core purpose of this work is to ensure that every student in 4J is thriving — academically, socially, emotionally, culturally, and behaviorally. We are especially committed to the success of students who have been historically and are currently underserved.
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- Evaluate and enhance early literacy initiatives
Goal: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of current early literacy programs and identify areas for improvement to increase early literacy rates across the district
- Implement the new school board resolution affirming the rights, inclusion, and success of students with disabilities
Goal: Develop a clear action plan for assessing current inclusion practices, identifying gaps in alignment with the resolution’s principles, and developing staff professional development plan
- Build relationships and strengthen two-way communication systems
Goal: Build and maintain relationships with staff, students, families, and community members and strengthen two-way communication with families, students, staff, and the community
- Develop and implement a strategic planning process
Goal: Identify systems alignment gaps and needs that form the basis of a strategic plan, develop district strategic goals and priorities that underpin the plan, and lead the development of a concise, dynamic strategic plan with clear goals and measurable outcomes, aiming for adoption by Fall 2026
- Establish a transparent, collaborative budget process
Goal: Develop and implement a transparent, collaborative budgeting process that aligns financial resources with the district's strategic priorities, promoting fiscal responsibility and community trus
- Evaluate and enhance early literacy initiatives
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Connecting and Learning Series (July 2025–June 2026)
The Connecting & Learning Series is an engagement effort designed to build trust, glean insights, and create shared purpose. It includes:
- School, program, and department visits
- Conversations with students, staff, employee groups, families, and community members
- Focus groups, listening sessions, surveys, and check-ins
Goal: Identify district strengths and challenges to inform strategic priorities
Community Coalition (Launch: Fall 2025)The Community Coalition is an inclusive advisory group formed from the superintendent search community interview panels. It allows for continuity in participation (from the interview process to onboarding of the new superintendent).
Purpose:
- Support the superintendent’s entry plan and community engagement efforts
- Offer insights into the strengths and needs of the district
- Assist in the analysis and synthesis of key learnings from the Connecting and Learning Series and First 100 Days report
- Provide input on the development of the district’s strategic goals and priorities
- Review and give feedback on the draft strategic plan
Meeting Schedule (Tentative):
- Fall 2025: Kickoff, relationship-building, and feedback on superintendent’s initial learnings
- November 2025: Provide input on First 100 Days report and draft district strategic priorities
- June 2026: Provide feedback on draft strategic plan and superintendent’s reflections
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Timeline Key Milestones and Activities July 2025-June 2026 Connecting and learning across schools, programs, departments and communities December 2025 First 100 days report December 2025 Recommend (for board adoption) strategic goals and priorities to guide FY 2026–27 budget and strategic planning process June 2026 Year one reflection report September 2026 Public presentation of a draft concise, dynamic three-year strategic plan with a November 2026 target launch
District Leadership
Eugene School District 4J is governed by a volunteer seven-member board of directors that hires and oversees a superintendent—the district’s executive officer—who works to implement the board's policies and oversees the day-to-day operations at 4J.
The superintendent, in turn, is supported by their district leadership team that oversees 4J schools and its central office departments to fulfill the district's educational mission.
Below is the organizational chart for 4J's district leadership team (for optimal viewing on mobile, rotate your smartphone sideways to activate landscape mode)