Advocating for small schools in Oregon

The Oregon Small Schools Association (OSSA) is proud to announce that Aaron Miller has been named its 2021 Administrator of the Year.  Miller is the superintendent of Vernonia School District, located in Vernonia, Oregon, in Columbia County. 

When Miller took over the helm at Vernonia several years ago, the district was struggling financially and academically.  Under his leadership, the district is financially secure, the facilities have been updated and the district has seen long with tremendous improvements with student achievement and growth. 

OSSA Board Chair Eric Milburn said this about Miller: “I have been impressed by the work Aaron has been involved with introducing and implementing strategies for Trauma Informed Care.  During the recent OSSA conference at Salishan, I had the opportunity to discuss the work being done at Vernonia with presenter Dr. Rick Robison.  Rick discussed the work he has been involved with at Vernonia and the support Aaron has provided for his staff to create a better learning environment in his district.

“Aaron Miller is a dedicated educator and informative leader.  He is well respected in his community, region and throughout the state.  He collaborates well with others to provide better opportunities for all students.  Aaron has successfully navigated his district through the challenging times during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Another colleague stated that “Aaron is committed to not only to students’ academic success, but to the ‘whole child.’  This has served his district well with the COVID-19 crisis. Aaron understands the importance of a student’s well-being and he has led Columbia County for over a decade with his trauma-informed care work.  He is a superintendent who possesses qualities that make him stand out from the rest, with his dedication and commitment to the betterment of education for all.” 

Miller will receive his OSSA 2021 Administrator of the Year award on June 25, 2021, at COSA’s annual Seaside Conference.

“The OSSA Board of Directors is very happy to honor Mr. Aaron Miller this year. He is an exemplary leader who I have worked with for over 20 years, and his work has improved the success of students in Oregon’s small school districts,” said Michael Carter, OSSA Executive Director. 

OSSA recognizes one school administrator each year who excels in their leadership position. Criteria include integrity, leadership, commitment to community, scholarship and student achievement. OSSA serves as an advocate for the benefits of rural education and small schools across the state. For more information, visit www.oregonssa.org.