Salem, OR – The Salem-Keizer School Board voted on March 11, 2025, to extend the contract of Superintendent Andrea Castañeda for an additional three years. This decision ensures Castañeda’s leadership through at least 2028, a move that aims to provide continuity and stability for the district during a time of both progress and challenge.
Board Chair Cynthia Richardson expressed strong support for Castañeda, praising her leadership during a period marked by budget cuts, union negotiations, and the ongoing need for educational reform. Richardson noted that Castañeda has fostered strong community ties and has worked diligently to articulate a clear vision for the future of Salem-Keizer Public Schools.
Castañeda, who took on the role of superintendent in July 2023, previously served as the Chief Talent and Equity Officer for Tulsa Public Schools in Oklahoma. She has quickly gained recognition for her ability to manage the district’s challenges while focusing on long-term goals for student achievement.
In her first year, the district met three out of six academic goals, including improvements in student attendance and a boost in middle and high school students’ sense of belonging. However, challenges persist, particularly in improving third-grade reading scores, which remain below state averages. Addressing these academic challenges has been a priority for Castañeda, who, along with district leaders, is focusing on targeted initiatives to improve student outcomes.
Despite these hurdles, Castañeda’s contract extension signals confidence in her ability to guide the district through its current difficulties and to continue pursuing its goals of academic excellence. Richardson emphasized that the decision to extend her contract was made with the understanding that the work ahead is not easy but that Castañeda has proven herself to be a capable leader with a clear direction for the future of the district.
With the extension, Castañeda will continue to lead the district’s efforts to improve student performance, manage resources effectively, and engage with the broader community in shaping the future of Salem-Keizer Public Schools.
