School superintendent draws praise.

Byline: Serena Markstrom The Register-Guard

SPRINGFIELD - Nancy Golden is still golden in the eyes of students, parents, teachers and classified staff members who were among the 224 people who gave feedback in the superintendent's second districtwide evaluation, the school board said Monday.

"I think now, more than any time in history, I feel like we're on a team," said board Chairwoman Laurie Adams after asking the rest of the board members to get out of their seats and stand by Golden's side as they presented the results of the second-annual "360-degree" review - an evaluation model often used for executives that takes its comments from every level of the organization.

Adams read an open letter from the board, which stated that the response from those who filled out the evaluation were vastly positive and "support what the board has observed."

The letter acknowledged the challenges Golden faced when a diversity plan she endorsed generated harsh criticism from some members of the community.

She has, the letter read, "found a way to turn what seemed to be adversity into an opportunity to forge bonds and build trust."

The evaluation was focused on two goals that Golden presented as part of a five-year plan for the district. The first goal is to build a "culture of trust" that ensures positive learning opportunities for students.

"The climate of trust among teachers is at its highest level since I've been in the district," one comment on the first goal read.

"At a time when strong leadership in education is in short supply, we are so fortunate to have Nancy Golden providing unpretentious, transparent, personally accessible leadership."

The second goal is to create and implement the "Springfield Quality Education Model" that represents the community's vision for Springfield students.

"It's an honor to serve with Nancy," board member Jonathan Light said. "It's just a very exciting ride, and I'm glad to be a part of it."

Student representative Brett Sauer, Thurston High School's student body president, said he thinks students feel supported by Golden. "It seems like you can be everywhere at once," he said to her. "You really show the students that you care, and I just want to say thank you for that."

Golden, whom the board described as a collaborative leader, said she works through other people on behalf of children. "This is only a strong evaluation because of all the other people I get to work with," she said.