PORTLAND, Ore. — The Tigard-Tualatin School District School Board has named Dr. Iton-Etok O Udosenata the district's new superintendent, following the retirement of longtime leader Dr. Sue Rieke Smith at the end of the school year.
Udosenata was one of three finalist for the Portland Public School's superintendent role as well. His appointment in Tigard-Tualatin leaves two candidates remaining in the mix for PPS.
Currently, Udosenata is the deputy superintendent at Salem-Keizer School District and will start with Tigard-Tualatin on July 1.
"Because of his focus on working as a collective to advance student outcomes and his commitment to centering students in every decision," said Board Chair Tristan Irvin. "It was clear to the board that Dr. Udosenata would be the perfect leader for our district."
Udosenata holds degrees in ethic studies, education leadership and education methodology, policy and leadership from the University of Oregon.
While serving as the deputy superintendent at Salem-Keizer School District for four years, Udosenata was a part of the executive team trying to bridge an $80 million budget shortfall, according to the district. He also supervised an office dedicated to safety risk and management.
“I understand the importance, now more than ever, of fostering safe and welcoming schools that nurture our students’ academic and social-emotional needs from the day they enter our classrooms as kindergarteners to when they accept a diploma as graduates," Udosenata said. "The impact of public education is long-lasting, and as a Superintendent you can expect my best in service of all TTSD students, staff, and community to make the greatest impact possible.”
