Salem-Keizer Public Schools
Claggett Creek Principal, Robin Buckingham named 2026 Oregon Middle School Principal of the Year
![Principal Robin Buckingham poses for a photo in the school library with colleagues and board director Richardson]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1767034464/salkeizk12orus/mxlluvfworcqfwdylcgw/RB-principaloftheyear-1200x675.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1767034464/salkeizk12orus/mxlluvfworcqfwdylcgw/RB-principaloftheyear-1200x675.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1767034464/salkeizk12orus/mxlluvfworcqfwdylcgw/RB-principaloftheyear-1200x675.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1767034464/salkeizk12orus/mxlluvfworcqfwdylcgw/RB-principaloftheyear-1200x675.jpg","width":1200}])
Robin Buckingham, principal of Claggett Creek Middle School, has been named the 2026 Oregon Middle School Principal of the Year by The Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators, a subset of the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA).
This prestigious honor, announced by COSA Executive Director Dr. Krista Parent during a surprise visit to the school on December 19, recognizes Principal Buckingham's transformative leadership and unwavering dedication to the Salem-Keizer students.
A Legacy of Excellence and Growth
Since taking the helm at Claggett Creek three years ago, Robin has fostered an environment where academic rigor and a sense of belonging go hand in hand. Her strategic approach to data-informed decision-making has led to remarkable results. During the 2024-25 school year, Claggett Creek students achieved some of the highest academic gains among district middle schools, including:
- English Language Arts Proficiency: Increased by 9.5 percentage points overall, with a staggering 13.2-point gain for students in eighth grade.
- Math Proficiency: Rose by 5.5 percentage points schoolwide and 6.3 percentage points in eighth grade.
These gains are a testament to the school’s status as an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) National Demonstration School, a distinction sustained under Robin’s leadership that highlights excellence in instruction, culture and systems.
Leadership Rooted in Equity
Robin’s impact extends far beyond test scores. She is a champion for inclusion who has expanded student clubs and affinity groups to ensure every student feels seen. By establishing dedicated support teams and after-school tutoring, she has significantly increased engagement and success for English Learners. Furthermore, her work to build partnerships supporting the Islander community has deepened cultural pride across the campus.
"Robin is an exceptional leader whose clarity of purpose, deep integrity, and unwavering commitment to equity have transformed her school community."
Matt Biondi, SKPS Director of Middle School Education
High Expectations, High Support
Robin’s guiding philosophy, "High expectations with high support," defines the daily experience at Claggett Creek. She balances compassion with accountability, famously reminding her staff and students that "we put one arm around them and use the other arm to help them, because we can do hard things."
Whether she is mentoring her team to develop their own leadership capacity or closing her morning announcements with "All are welcome at Claggett Creek," Robin embodies the very best of public education.
"Robin represents what strong middle school leadership looks like in Oregon. She delivers results while centering belonging, equity, and the growth of others. Her work sets a standard for the profession.”
Dr. Parent, COSA Executive Director
Please join us in congratulating Principal Robin Buckingham on this well-deserved recognition! Her leadership sets a standard for the profession and continues to inspire students and educators alike across Oregon.