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Eugene School District 4J

Equity. Excellence. Innovation.

About Interim Superintendent Colt Gill

About Interim Superintendent Colt Gill

A man in a suit and tie smiles warmly at the camera.A lifelong resident of Lane County, Colt Gill brings nearly three decades of leadership experience in K-12 education to his role as interim superintendent. Before his retirement in 2023 as the director of the Oregon Department of Education, Mr. Gill held pivotal leadership positions that have shaped Oregon's educational landscape.

In 2016, former Gov. Kate Brown selected Mr. Gill for the role of Oregon’s inaugural education innovation officer, where he spearheaded collaborative efforts to enhance graduation rates by engaging with local communities, school districts, and stakeholders. Recognizing his valuable contributions, Mr. Gill was promoted to director of the Oregon Department of Education 18 months later. During his tenure, he provided steadfast guidance to the state education department, and by extension K-12 school districts across the state, during the tumultuous period of school closures and other challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. 

Mr. Gill's dedication to education extends beyond administrative roles. He has enriched the academic landscape as an adjunct professor at the University of Oregon and has lent his expertise to various boards and commissions dedicated to education and children’s health and wellness.

Beginning his education career as an elementary teacher south of Eugene in Creswell in 1988, Mr. Gill has diverse experiences, including roles as a technology coordinator, elementary school principal, director of curriculum and instruction, and assistant superintendent. In 2006, he was selected as superintendent of Bethel School District, a position he held for nearly a decade before being tapped for a statewide education leadership position. 

Mr. Gill is an alum of the University of Oregon, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1988, followed by a master’s degree in education policy and management in 1998.

As interim superintendent, Mr. Gill will focus on laying a solid foundation for 4J’s future by supporting the school board in living its values; facilitating policy development; and, most critically, assisting in the hiring and onboarding of the district’s next permanent superintendent, while ensuring students remain at the heart of all of 4J’s work together.