Didway joins CESD after lengthy career in Oregon City schools
The Clackamas ESD Board of Directors has selected Larry Didway, superintendent of the Oregon City School District, as Clackamas ESD superintendent, effective July 1. The appointment was announced at the board’s regular May 26 evening meeting.
Didway has spent most of his career with Oregon City schools, including the last 10 years as superintendent. He succeeds Jada Rupley, who is retiring June 30 after five years as CESD superintendent. The Oregon City School Board will appoint an interim superintendent in a special session on June 1.
“Larry is an exceptional leader, with a proven record of achievement, impeccable character and integrity, and unparalleled knowledge of our Clackamas County communities and diverse school districts,” said Jon Eyman, chair of the Clackamas ESD Board of Directors. “His deep passion for giving all students the opportunity to succeed, and commitment to building strategic partnerships to improve education opportunities and outcomes, will serve our region and our entire state extremely well as he moves into this new role at Clackamas ESD.”
Under Didway’s leadership since 2011, the Oregon City School District has been recognized for consistently exceeding state averages in graduation rates, improving student achievement and providing innovative education options. The district also successfully developed and implemented a capital improvement plan with a voter-approved $158 million bond.
“I am honored to become Clackamas ESD superintendent, and inspired by this opportunity to lead our region toward a shared vision of excellence through the post-pandemic times ahead,” said Didway. “I dream of a Clackamas County where no child can fail, and where we as public educators fail no child. As Oregon City superintendent for the past decade, I’ve witnessed first-hand the important role Clackamas ESD plays as a convener and service provider in supporting the schools, students and educators in our region. I’m looking forward to building on that strong history of success, and collaborating with our many partners to help all children in Clackamas County reach their full potential.”
Didway, who was born and raised in Clackamas County, began his career in the Salem-Keizer School District, where he taught in the talented and gifted program. He then moved to Oregon City as an elementary school teacher, and later spent three years teaching English in Japan. The rest of his service as an educator has been in Oregon City; prior to becoming superintendent in 2011, his many roles in the district included middle school principal, human resources director and assistant superintendent.
“Every policy and subsequent action in the Oregon City School District are looked at through an equity lens largely in part to Larry’s commitment to inclusion and fairness,” said Martha Spiers, chair of the Oregon City Board of Directors. “Larry listens, moderates, sympathizes, instructs and then makes firm decisions. He leads by engaging with integrity. Losing him from our district is only mitigated by keeping him in Clackamas County leadership.”
Didway holds an M.S. in education from Western Oregon State College, where he also earned his B.S. in elementary education. In addition, he holds a B.A. in political science from Willamette University. He resides in Oregon City with his wife, Chris. They have two children, both graduates of Oregon City High School, who are currently attending college.
