Gresham-Barlow Superintendent Search

Statement from the Gresham-Barlow School Board:

Gresham-Barlow School Board selects Dr. Tracy Klinger to be the next superintendent of schools

On January 22 the Gresham-Barlow School Board approved hiring Dr. Tracy Klinger as the next superintendent of schools pending successful contract negotiations. 

Dr. Klinger has dedicated her 28-year career to the Gresham-Barlow School District, currently serving as the district’s deputy superintendent. As an administrator, she has overseen departments responsible for K-12 teaching and learning, student support services, multilingual and dual-language programs, federal programs, partnerships, as well as provided support to district-wide operations. Prior to her work in administration, she served as principal of three of the school district’s elementary schools: West Gresham Elementary, East Gresham Elementary, and North Gresham Elementary. She began her career in the district as a Powell Valley Elementary School teacher. 

The board is excited to announce the hiring of Dr. Tracy Klinger as Gresham-Barlow’s next superintendent of schools. Among a distinguished field of national candidates, Dr. Klinger emerged as the right person to lead our schools forward. The board is very grateful to the community of students, families, staff, and neighbors who engaged so thoughtfully throughout the recruitment process. We are proud to present Dr. Klinger as your next superintendent and excited to work collectively with her and you to create the schools that our students truly deserve.

The  Gresham-Barlow School Board selected Hazard Young Attea Associates (HYA), a national consulting and recruitment firm, to gather community input, recruit candidates, and guide the search. On Gresham-Barlow’s process, HYA commented, “We were very pleased with the quality of the candidate pool for the Gresham-Barlow superintendent search. There were 14 completed applicants drawing from six states, Seven of those candidates were ranked in the top tier; a strong candidate and fit for the Gresham-Barlow School District. It was a pleasure working with the Gresham-Barlow School Board, and stakeholders across the district. The feedback we received both from the survey and focus groups was vital in preparing the District Leadership Profile Report. HYA would like to thank everyone that was involved in the customized search process.”

To inform the superintendent search process, the school board gathered input from the community through focus groups and an online survey. Students, staff, families, and community members met with the finalists on January 21 and provided valuable input. The school board held final interviews with the candidates during the January 22 school board work session.

Former superintendent James Hiu retired at the end of December 2024. John Koch is currently serving as interim superintendent. Dr. Klinger will begin serving as superintendent July 1, 2025.

Gresham-Barlow School Board announces finalists for superintendent of schools

On January 21 the final candidates will visit schools and hold listening sessions with students and staff, as well as participate in an evening community session at Gresham High School

The Gresham-Barlow School Board has announced its three finalists for superintendent of schools following a special board work session held on Saturday, January 11, 2025. 

“The school board was fortunate to interview an excellent slate of seven candidates,” said School Board Chair Kris Howatt. “The applicants were from Oregon and across the country and brought varied experiences and perspectives to ensure all students can learn and grow. We’re excited to bring the finalists to Gresham-Barlow so students, staff, and community can meet with them and share their input with the school board.”

The three finalists are (in no particular order):

-Dr. Rainey L. Briggs-Superintendent of Baraboo Schools - Baraboo, WI

-Dr. Angela Freeman-Assistant Superintendent - Gresham-Barlow School District

-Dr. Tracy Klinger-Deputy Superintendent - Gresham-Barlow School District

Meet the Superintendent Finalists (Bios and Headshots)

The finalists will participate in a series of interview activities with students, staff, and community members in the district on January 21, 2025. Individuals who are interested in participating in these sessions should email the school district at gbsd@gresham.k12.or.us for more information. 

On Wednesday, January 22, the school board will conduct final interviews. The meeting begins at 5 pm and will include a discussion of the feedback provided during the candidates’ listening sessions with students, staff, and the community. 

The school board’s interviews with the three finalists will be live-streamed for the community. 

Link to January 22, 2025, School Board Meeting/Finalists Interviews

The school board plans to select a permanent superintendent no later than February 28, 2025. The new superintendent would begin July 1, 2025, effective with the start of the 2025-26 school year.

About the superintendent search process

The Gresham-Barlow School Board has selected Hazard Young Attea Associates, (HYA), a national consulting firm, to: 

-Gather input from students, families, staff, and the community

-Recruit candidates

-Guide the search

To keep you informed, this webpage will serve as a source for all information related to the superintendent search. Please check back often for updates!

Read the Superintendent Leadership Profile Report

Online survey

Update: The online survey has concluded.

You’re invited to complete this anonymous survey which will be used to develop a profile of desired quality and characteristics in the next superintendent. It will guide recruitment and the development of interview questions.

Superintendent Search Survey

Virtual and in-person focus groups

Update: Focus groups have concluded.

The Gresham-Barlow School District has chosen Hazard Young Attea Associates (HYA) to spearhead its search for a new superintendent. Your input is needed. Please attend the appropriate focus group listed below as your feedback is important.  Participants do not need to register, just show up and jump in. Some focus groups listed below are in person only, while others are virtual  only. If you can’t attend a focus group or you would like to add additional comments from a scheduled focus group in which you attended, please email us your comments at the following email addresses:  

Mike Richie, HYA Vice President: mikerichie@hyasearch.com 

Brian Ewert, HYA Associate: brianewert@hyasearch.com

The same questions will be asked at  each  focus group: 

1. What are the strengths of the Gresham-Barlow School District that the next superintendent can build upon? 
2. What are the challenges facing the Gresham-Barlow School District that the next superintendent should be aware of, or you would like to see be addressed? 
3. What characteristics or traits are you looking for in your new superintendent? 
4. Is there anything else you would like to share with us regarding the Gresham-Barlow School District?
5. HYA will be recruiting potential superintendent candidates for this position. Is there anyone that you can think of that might be a good fit as your new superintendent that we should contact. If so, please share or email us his/her name and contact information.