In the mid-1970s, Susan Castillo was doing secretarial work for then-director of Oregon State University’s Affirmative Action Office, Pearl Gray. During her time under Gray’s watchful eye, she gained support that would propel her from a shy, unsure woman to her current position as Oregon’s superintendent of public instruction.

Gray sensed potential in Castillo, and suggested that she consider getting her college degree.

“It was Pearl’s urging and her belief in me, that I could do it,” that pushed Castillo into the classroom, and into facing her fears.

Her first course at OSU terrified her, but that’s exactly why she took it. The class was a public speaking course, and her success, and ability to face her shyness, led her into a career as a television broadcaster covering politics, and then into the political realm as a state senator. She graduated from OSU in 1981.

“Here at Oregon State my life took a very important turn and I just have a very special place in my heart for this place and what it does for all of us,” she said, “everybody who walks through these doors, and how it changes our lives and opens up doors of opportunity for all of us.”

She has been superintendent since January 2003, and continues to focus on partnerships between businesses, politicians, community leaders and school districts. For instance, one of the Eugene’s middle schools has formed a partnership with Umpqua Bank, whose employees read to students for an hour every week.

“There have been mutual benefits in that the bankers have seen that just contributing one hour a week can make a difference in the lives of these young people,” Castillo said. “And for the students, it’s ‘Wow, these busy professionals care about me.’”

Relationships like that with businesses and community leaders have helped fill in some of the gaps left after years of tight budgets and deep cuts.

“It really did force people to become more innovative,” Castillo said.

The budget picture is a little brighter for the upcoming legislative session, but it will take $6.3 billion just to bring Oregon schools to a funding level equal to where they were at in 2001. And the challenges are many, she said.

Although the Oregon dropout rate has decreased recently, it’s still one of the highest in the nation. University costs are high, and many students don’t see college as a viable option. Castillo wants that to change, especially for students who have traditionally been considered “high risk” or not likely to achieve.

“We cannot have these kind of conversations in our schools,” she said. “Every student who walks in the door has great potential and can reach a high level of achievement.”

Castillo emphasized creating a school system that prepares all students so thoroughly that any Oregon student who receives a high school diploma should be college-ready. It takes vision, Castillo said.

“Strong leadership that doesn’t let anything get in the way of providing what their students need in their school,” Castillo said, “and the belief by everybody in their school that all kids can do it, all kids can learn and reach high levels of achievement, and it’s the school’s responsibility to help them get there.”

Theresa Hogue is features reporter for the Gazette-Times. She can be reached by e-mail at theresa.hogue@lee.net or by phone at 758-9526.