April 14, 2023 4:00 a.m.
The South Umpqua School District Board of Directors has announced that Dr. Paul Hillyer has been selected to be its interim superintendent, effective July 1st.
A release said Dr. Hillyer and the board are working on the terms of a tentative agreement which will be finalized at a public meeting on April 19th.
The board chose three finalists from an extensive list of potential interim superintendents. After conducting interviews and reference checks, the board made their final selection. Board Chair Jeff Johnson said, “Dr. Paul Hillyer emerged as the top candidate to be our next Superintendent”. Johnson said, “He has a proven record of success, leading the Klamath Falls City School District for many years. The Board is very excited to welcome Dr. Hillyer to the South Umpqua family”. Johnson said, “His strong background in curriculum, with a focus on student achievement, along with his impressive experience as a long-term Superintendent will be the perfect fit in the coming year while the Board launches another search for a permanent Superintendent in the fall”.
The release said Dr. Hillyer has worked as an educator for 42 years, most recently as the superintendent of the Klamath Falls City School District from 2010 until his retirement in 2021. Prior to serving in Klamath Falls, Dr. Hillyer was the superintendent of Columbus Public Schools in Columbus, Nebraska from 2005-2010. Dr. Hillyer received his PH. D in Educational Administration from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.
Dr. Hillyer said, “I am very excited to work with the staff at SUSD to help all students find success as learners and as people”. Hillyer said, “The mission of SUSD, of unlocking the potential of each student, is one that establishes a great purpose for our work. People have told me how dedicated and talented the team is in SUSD. Because of this, I am confident that the 2023-24 school year will be one of great growth and opportunity for our young people”.
Hillyer’s picture is posted with this story at www.541radio.com