George Russell, now in his sixth year as superintendent of the Eugene School District, was named Oregon Superintendent of the Year during a conference in Portland on Saturday.

Russell, 60, was one of four nominees for the annual honor, which
places him in the running for the national American Association of
School Administrators award.

In her nomination letter, school board Chairwoman Beth Gerot described Russell as quiet and slight of stature, but "a giant in what he has accomplished."

"It is not possible in mere words to adequately describe the leader
we have here in Eugene - the progress that has been made over the past years speaks volumes for the leadership of our superintendent," she wrote.

Reached by phone Saturday evening, Russell said he was somewhat surprised to be selected from among many capable peers.

"I'm honored that folks thought I was deserving, but I think there
are probably another 100 superintendents in the state who are just
as deserving of it," he said.

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