John Deeder, photo courtesy of EPS.

John Deeder, superintendent of Evergreen Public Schools, submitted his retirement announcement to the School Board of Directors. Deeder, who has served 11 years as the leader of the fifth largest school district in the state and the largest in Clark County, says he will step down on July 31.

Deeder, who began his educational career 48 years ago as a sixth grade teacher, spent a number of years working as a teacher, counselor, coach, principal, instructional leader and assistant superintendent in several Oregon school districts. He joined Evergreen 15 years ago as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, before moving to Assistant Superintendent, then Chief Academic Officer. He was named Superintendent in 2006.

During his tenure, Deeder put into action a number of instructional improvements such as implementing all-day Kindergarten at all schools (not just schools qualifying for state aid), increasing supports at the high school level that have dramatically increased the graduation rate, adding instructional positions and reducing class sizes, put into practice a personalized learning model for students and increasing technology-driven instruction to ensure students have 21st century skills.

At the same time, he was challenged to cut budgets during a downed economy, as well as take on the state funding model. Deeder shaped a three year recessionary budget by cutting $26.3 million including freezing his own salary for five years, yet preserving teacher positions, maintaining school facilities, adding a new specialty high school and increasing safety and security at schools. He also oversaw the temporary relocation, then rebuilding of, Crestline Elementary, in less than 18 months after the school was destroyed by an arson fire in 2013.