Eugene School District 4J

Tuesday, July 1, marked the first day on the job for Dr. Miriam Mickelson, Eugene School District 4J's new superintendent — and one of her first orders of business was to spend time in the classroom. 

Dr. Mickelson rolled up her sleeves at the Kids in Transition to School (KITS) summer program at Chávez Elementary School, assisting 4J educators who are helping incoming kindergartners prepare for their first year of schooling. She served lunches, joined the students in group activites, and cheered them on as they learned duck, duck, goose. As the youngsters ate lunch, Dr. Mickelson conducted interviews with local media about her first day, sharing her enthuasium for the new job as well as her priorities as 4J’s new leader. Earlier in the day, she met with educators preparing for the district’s Summer Enrichment & Academic Learning program that kicks off next week.

The new superintendent — a former classroom teacher, instructional coach and high school principal — described her first face-to-face time with 4J students as “magical.” 

“They always put a smile on your face, especially these really little ones,” she said, praising the educators who returned to teach students for part of their summer break.

Mickelson’s visit is one of several she’ll make this summer at 4J’s educational and enrichment programs as she continues to familiarize herself with the district. She’s also planned several meet-and-greets, including with civic leaders, to get acquainted with the 4J community.

The school board hired Dr. Mickelson in mid-April, after she emerged as the top choice among a large pool of outstanding candidates during a months-long selection process that included 4J staff, students and community members. Dr. Mickelson, who previously led the Sedro-Woolley School District, located north of Seattle, succeeds Interim Superintendent Colt Gill. He served in the role for more than a year.

Responding to a reporter’s question, Dr. Mickelson said she’ll measure the district’s success under her leadership not only through educational metrics, but also through 4J’s collective work to help students live a life of significance. 

“Leading a life of significance means they’re pursuing their personal goal for the greater good, and they are contributing to society,” she said. “If I see former students living life that way, contributing to society, taking care of others, then I can say, ‘Yes, we have made an impact.’”