Board receives superintendent evaluation training from OSBA facilitator

On Nov. 20, 2025, the Santiam Canyon School District Board of Directors met for a work session that centered on a superintendent-evaluation training led by Kristen Miles of the Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA). The training reviewed the OSBA-recommended evaluation process, tools, timelines and best practices.

Miles told the board the evaluation framework rests on eight national performance standards and an OSBA Evaluation Tool composed of five components; she said districts commonly select two or three components in a superintendent’s first year to keep the process manageable. Miles also explained the role of artifacts and evidence in documenting progress across communication, leadership and operations and recommended sharing artifacts throughout the year during scheduled check-ins.

The facilitator advised that first-year superintendent evaluations should not include community or staff surveys, saying national data shows early surveys are unreliable. District staff will continue existing climate and culture surveys for staff, students and families, Krista Nieraeth said. Miles recommended goal-setting follow a pattern in which the superintendent proposes initial goals, with a final set of no more than three measurable goals agreed by the board and the superintendent.

Miles reviewed expectations under Oregon law for executive sessions and said check-ins on progress are usually conducted in executive session at regular board meetings. She offered OSBA support such as compiling board feedback into a draft summary and assisting the board in developing a unified written evaluation statement; the board indicated interest in having OSBA assist this year. The board agreed to hold its first check-in with Ms. Nieraeth in executive session during the Dec. 16 board meeting, when she will present an update on progress toward goals shared in September.