As the district prepared to welcome incoming superintendent Dr. Hertica Y. Martin, hundreds of community and staff supporters had a final opportunity to say farewell to the retiring Nancy Golden at a packed gathering at Agnes Stewart Middle School on May 10. The event was hosted by Springfield Education Foundation and Springfield Public Schools.
A running slide show and six sets of display boards documented Nancy’s accomplishments and memories from her 10-year reign as Springfield superintendent, with photos acknowledging her hallmark achievements of “Collaborative Leadership,” “Building a Culture of Trust,” “Lifelong Teacher, Lifelong Learner,” “WOW Moments,” and, simply, “Family.”
Attendees were also treated with artwork and notes from district 2nd-graders to answer the question, “What should Nancy Golden do when she retires?” The responses varied from “Go to bed early,” to “Visit Hawaii” and “Get a new job as a zoo keeper.”
Visitors had the opportunity to give hugs, write notes, draw pictures or even record video messages to Nancy. The culminating program featured tributes from former students, attesting to Nancy’s connection with the schools; songs from current and former students to celebrate Nancy’s passion for the arts; and yes, even a flash mob, leading to a final moment that had a teary audience singing along to a takeoff on the popular “Bye, Bye Birdie” tune, “We love you Nancy, oh yes we do…..”
Nancy’s grandchildren joined her on stage as she said her final goodbyes, closing out a career in Springfield schools that began with teaching special education at Douglas Gardens. Upon her return as superintendent, Nancy united district staff and community under the Springfield Quality Education Model; significantly increased student achievement results; led the district to passing a $42.7 million bond measure; and focused students, staff and community around a clear vision: Every student a graduate prepared for a bright and successful future.
In addition to her accomplishments for the district, Nancy’s work has achieved much recognition at the state level. In 2011, she was named Oregon Superintendent of the Year by the Confederation of School Administrators, and she subsequently agreed to serve as Governor John Kitzhaber’s education policy advisor for a six-month period.
With a home and family in Springfield, we expect we haven’t seen the last of Nancy. Her last day with the district will be June 30, and Dr. Martin will begin on July 1.
To learn more about Dr. Martin and the superintendent search that brought her to Springfield, click here.
Scroll down to see a photo gallery from the retirement event, or click here to watch a video of the program highlights.
