Woodburn School District Superintendent Chuck Ransom announces retirement

Woodburn School District Superintendent Chuck Ransom announced his retirement Friday, with his last day scheduled on July 31.

Ransom has been an educator for more than 30 years, about 20 of which have been with Woodburn schools, according to his retirement announcement.

He started at the school district as a Spanish teacher and soccer coach in 2000 and since, has served as a principal and curriculum director, followed by his role as superintendent.

"I always believed in the mission of our school district, which is to provide our students with a world class education," Ransom said. "Everyone at this school district is united to see our kids succeed. We put our students first, and that's why I stayed."

Woodburn School District enrolled more than 5,500 students in the 2017-18 school year. More than 95% of its students qualify for free and reduced-price lunches and 82% identify as Hispanic/Latino. The district boasts a high four-year graduation rate of 89%, compared to the 77% Oregon average. 

During his tenure, Ransom sites three important accomplishments: designing and implementing a dual-language program; securing voter approval for a $65 million bond for capital projects; and advocating with the state to fully fund K-12 education.

"Our dual-language program was one of the first in the country and is why we have such high graduation rates," he said. "Other school districts are modelling their programs after ours because it works.

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"Parents across the state want their children to attend our schools so they can be proficient in multiple languages by the time they graduate."

In 2015, the Woodburn community passed a $65 million bond for construction, repairs and renovations to schools and facilities. These projects are scheduled for completion in 2020.

The financial health of the district was so strong, according to the announcement, they were able to leverage additional money for the construction of a regional career and technical education center, which is now "in the works."

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In May of this year, Ransom "rejoiced" when Gov. Kate Brown signed the Student Success Act to fund K-12 education at the level researchers have suggested for years. It was at that point, he said, he decided to finally retire.

"This was a herculean effort by parents, teachers, administrators, community members and students," he said. "At that point, I knew our students, faculty and staff would be able to continue their work and I knew it was time to pass the torch."

The district likely will do a national search for its next superintendent, officials said. Ransom and the school board are considering how he might continue in an advisory capacity to help with the transition during the 2019-20 school year.

For more information, go to www.woodburnsd.org/ or call 503-981-9555.

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Contact reporter Natalie Pate at npate@StatesmanJournal.com, 503-399-6745 or follow Natalie on Twitter @Nataliempate or Facebook at www.Facebook.com/nataliepatejournalist.