Rob Manning / OPB

Clackamas Superintendent Matt Utterback

North Clackamas has elevated its interim superintendent into the permanent job. Matt Utterback became the interim head five months ago.

Utterback began his teaching career in the North Clackamas School District more than 20 years ago, and has been in the district ever since. He said his long track record has earned him the support of teachers and staff.

“I understand the school district – where we’ve been,” Utterback said. “I think people are excited about where we’re going. And, I think people are also excited about the fact that I’m going to stay – that I’m committed to the school district; I live in the school district, and I think that is providing some comfort, and a strong sense of direction.”

Superintendent Utterback said removing “interim” from his job title allows him to think and plan more long-term. For instance, he says he’d like to look more closely at offering more diverse options to students entering middle school.

Utterback replaced Tim Mills, who left North Clackamas after three years to run the schools in Bellevue, Washington.

Online: OPB’s Learning With Less examines the challenges faced by parents, schools and students in an era of shrinking budgets.

This story originally appeared on Oregon Public Broadcasting.