Cynthia Richardson, School Board Chair - Inspiring Equity and Empowerment

Meet Cynthia Richardson

Through authentic leadership and connection, School Board Chair Cynthia Richardson empowers students to embrace their identity and inspires them to strive for success. This Black History Month, we are proud to share a personal story with our school community—one of hope, inspiration, and empowerment.

I was the first African American high school principal Salem-Keizer ever had and it was hard. It was hard to go into those meetings with the white, male principals who didn't think I needed to be there and who didn't think I should have a voice. But I had the confidence that I try to build into our students that no matter where you are, you go in, know who you are and stand for what's right.
Cynthia Richardson, School Board Chair
Salem-Keizer Public Schools

A Legacy of Inspiration

In Salem-Keizer, Cynthia has held a variety of positions. She has been the assistant principal and principal at Stephens Middle School, as well as the principal at both McKay and North Salem high schools. She most recently served as the Director of Student Equity, Access, and Advancement, leading the department during its addition to our district in 2017. Even with 44 years of successful work in education, she realized she wasn’t done yet.

Cynthia now serves as the Board Chair of the Salem-Keizer School Board. Cynthia uses her platform to advocate for equity and inclusivity across all district initiatives. Her leadership is rooted in her commitment to empowering students to embrace their unique identities while encouraging them to aim for academic and personal success.

All children need to see people who look like them in the schools so that they will know that it is a possibility for them to become a teacher, a principal, a superintendent, a counselor, whatever they want to be. If you don't see people in those positions who look like you, who speak the languages you do, you don't think that that's a possibility for you and you count it out.
Cynthia Richardson, School Board Chair
Salem-Keizer Public Schools

Empowering Students to Be Themselves

Throughout her tenure with Salem-Keizer Public Schools, Cynthia has been a source of encouragement for countless students, especially those who might not have otherwise felt comfortable stepping into their full potential. Her ability to build genuine relationships with students and families has made a lasting impact on the community.

Cynthia believes that every student is blessed with a gift, and when they find that gift, they need to align themselves with other people that also have that gift.

“Every student that I ever dealt with knows that they can be and do whatever they want to do. I tell them and make sure that they know it. And then I make sure I set up opportunities for them to experience success. Small successes grow to larger successes, and it helps them to accomplish their goals and dreams.”

Through her work, Cynthia continues to encourage and empower all Salem-Keizer students.