Grants Pass School District announces new superintendent

The Grants Pass School Board has selected Mr. Tim Sweeney to serve as the next superintendent of Grants Pass School District 7 schools. Mr. Sweeney has accepted the position effective July 1, 2022, pending further background check and successful negotiations.

Mr. Sweeney brings with him a wealth of administrative experience and more than 25 years of service in a variety of educational roles. Named Superintendent of the Year in 2019 by the Oregon Association of School Executives (OASE) and the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA), Sweeney has a proven track record of supporting staff, attending to the needs of families, and increasing opportunities for students that engage and inspire them for post-secondary plans. 

“I am deeply humbled by the board’s decision to offer me the position. I know the competition for the superintendency was very strong, so to have been selected is truly an honor,” said Mr. Sweeney. He went on to add, “I look forward to working with the school board, staff, and students of the Grants Pass School District for many years to come.” 

Mr. Sweeney comes to Grants Pass from the Coquille School District where he has served as superintendent for the past 12 years. Before that, he served as superintendent for Butte Falls School District (2007-2010). Mr. Sweeney began his career as an eighth grade history teacher at Eagle Point Middle School (1996-2007) and became the athletic director in 2002. 

“The Grants Pass School District 7 school board is excited to offer Tim Sweeney the position of superintendent,” Board Chair Scott Nelson says. “Tim brings the leadership qualities and innovative thinking we feel are needed at this critical juncture in public education. Tim impressed us with his many years of experience as a superintendent, and his track record for positive growth and change. He places the students and staff first and will work diligently to support all of our students in achieving a successful education. We look forward to working with him to increase educational opportunities for Grants Pass students.” 

The Grants Pass School Board started its nationwide superintendent search in November of 2021, with the hiring of a consultant who engaged in an extensive community input process. Focus groups of students, parents/guardians, staff, and community members were asked to identify the qualities that they wanted to see in the district’s next leader. All students, staff, and families also had the opportunity to fill out surveys. The consultant then narrowed the pool of applicants and conducted first-round interviews. The school board reviewed those applications and conducted video and in-person interviews before selecting Mr. Sweeney. Special thanks to the committee of students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members who also participated in the interview process.