Puget Sound ESD Announces New Superintendent To Start July 1, 20206 -05/28/25

Renton, WA—The Board of Directors of the Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) is pleased to announce the appointment of the agency’s next superintendent, Dr. Gustavo Balderas, who will officially begin his leadership on July 1, 2026. Following a comprehensive national search, the Board selected Dr. Balderas for his strong alignment with the agency’s commitment to racial equity, inclusion, and educational justice. With a proven track record of driving systems-level change and building strong community partnerships, Dr. Balderas will step into a leadership role serving more than 400,000 students, nearly 300 public, private, and tribal schools, and a region rich in diversity and potential.

 

“The Board is excited to welcome a leader who shares our vision and brings a strong track record of advancing racial equity and closing opportunity gaps,” states PSESD Board Chair Marcella Tomlin. “Dr. Balderas’ commitment to building more racially just and inclusive school systems aligns deeply with our goals. PSESD is a trusted partner for schools, families, and communities across the region, and we are confident that our new superintendent will help us continue to grow in our impact.”

 

Dr. Balderas joins PSESD from the Beaverton School District, where he has served as superintendent since 2022. A nationally recognized educator, Dr. Balderas is known for his equity-driven leadership and commitment to student success, both academic and social-emotional. A first-generation son of migrant farmworkers, he brings deep personal insight into the barriers many students face, particularly those navigating poverty, language, and culture. His honors include 2020 National Superintendent of the Year, 2021 Champion for Equity Award, and 2023 National Bilingual Education Superintendent of the Year. His leadership centers on building inclusive systems and empowering students to define their own success.

 

Dr. Balderas previously served as superintendent in Edmonds, Eugene, Ocean View, and Madera Unified School Districts. He began his career in Hillsboro, Oregon, where he served as a teacher, counselor, principal, and district administrator. A proud graduate of Western Oregon University, Portland State University, and the University of Oregon, Dr. Balderas brings both experience and heart to the work of public education.

 

"I am humbled by the trust and confidence the Board of Directors has placed in me," Dr. Balderas says. "I am eager to continue the work of my predecessor, Superintendent Welch, ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education. I know, from lived experience, what a difference that access can make in a student's trajectory and attainment of their personal goals. I look forward to working with my colleagues to deepen our community connections and partnerships to support our students' success."

 

To ensure a thoughtful and seamless leadership transition, current superintendent John Welch will remain in his position until June 2026, and a transition timeline that accommodates both organizations will be developed. Welch, who also worked alongside his predecessor during a yearlong transition, highlights the importance of continuity and shared leadership in serving the region’s schools and families.

 

“I’m excited to work alongside our new superintendent during this time of transition,” says Welch. “I had the benefit of a thoughtful handoff from my predecessor, and I know how important that continuity can be. PSESD’s mission is too critical to pause or reset—we’re committed to moving forward together, with shared leadership and deep respect for the communities we serve.”

 

With this leadership transition, PSESD remains focused on building strong partnerships and delivering on its commitment to racially just and humanizing schools across the region.

 

Puget Sound Educational Service District is one of nine regional educational agencies serving school districts, tribal compact schools, and state-approved charter and private schools in Washington. Educational Service Districts, created by the legislature, are an essential regional delivery system for early learning and K-postsecondary services in the state. More information about who we are and who we serve is available on our website at http://www.psesd.org