EUGENE, Ore. – The Eugene School District 4J has officially named Dr. Miriam Mickelson as its new permanent superintendent, with her appointment set to take effect on July 1, 2025. This decision follows a national search launched by the district in Fall 2024, which involved input from students, staff, and community members.
The school board, which met at 5 p.m. today at the 4J Education Center, highlighted several key attributes that led to Dr. Mickelson’s selection. Board members praised her communication skills, growth mindset, and proven track record of success in educational leadership. These qualities, they said, make her a strong fit for the challenges facing the district.
Dr. Mickelson comes to Eugene from the Sedro-Wooley School District in Washington, where she served as superintendent until her departure in February 2025 under circumstances that remain unclear, according to reports from Cascadia Daily News. Despite this, her prior experience and leadership abilities stood out to 4J officials during the selection process.
The appointment of Dr. Mickelson marks a significant moment for 4J, which has experienced notable leadership turnover in recent years. She will be the district’s fourth superintendent in just three years. The role became vacant in March 2025 following the resignation of Andy Dey, who had served as superintendent since July 2022. Dey’s resignation came after a turbulent tenure marked by allegations of workplace misconduct and accusations of unpleasant conduct during his initial hiring process.
In light of the recent leadership instability, 4J officials are optimistic that Dr. Mickelson will bring much-needed continuity and direction to the district. The school board has expressed confidence in her ability to build strong relationships with the community, staff, and students, and to foster an environment of growth and collaboration.
The process to hire Dr. Mickelson involved a thorough national search and a series of community engagement opportunities to ensure that the new superintendent would meet the needs of all stakeholders in the district. With the new superintendent set to take office in the summer of 2025, 4J officials are hopeful that Dr. Mickelson’s leadership will guide the district through a period of stability and growth.
The appointment is contingent on the successful completion of contract negotiations. In the meantime, interim superintendent Colt Gill will continue to oversee the district’s operations.
More information about Dr. Mickelson’s background and the superintendent search process is available on the Eugene School District 4J website.
