Education Leaders from LaCrosse and Raymond School Districts Receive Most Effective Administrator Awards

LaCrosse Schools Principal Doug Curtis was honored for small-size districts and Raymond School District Superintendent Steve Holland received the award in the mid-size district category.

YAKIMA, Washington (March 1, 2010)--Today, the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) and PEMCO Insurance recognized Doug Curtis, principal of LaCrosse Schools in LaCrosse School District, and Steve Holland, superintendent of Raymond School District, as recipients of the 2010 Robert J. Handy Most Effective Administrator Awards. Jim Menzies of PEMCO Insurance presented the awards at the WASA Small Schools Conference in Yakima. A third administrator for the large district category will be recognized in May at WASA's Superintendent Workshop in Chelan.

Three awards are presented each year, based on district-size categories, with a $10,000 award equally divided among the winners. Approximately one-third of Washington’s school districts are represented in each category. The award can be used for personal or professional growth and/or to support and disseminate information about a successful school or district program. A peer committee selects the winners from nominations that detail how each nominee is taking part in actualizing the nine characteristics of high performing schools/districts as defined by research from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

During the past ten years at LaCrosse School District, Doug Curtis has provided a supportive environment between the relationships with administrators, staff, parents, and students. He encourages staff in professional development by providing the necessary time needed to focus on instruction and content. He also encourages staff by participating in Critical Friends, which staff meet twice a month to discuss classroom and instructional issues. Mr. Curtis is proactive in the classroom. He visits monthly to observe and give feedback to teachers; and he encourages both staff and students in creating a diverse culture that will create a healthy and accepting environment.

"I am thankful to WASA and PEMCO for this recognition," states Curtis. "I am also very thankful to the LaCrosse School Board, staff, Superintendent Gary Wargo, and community for the opportunity to serve at LaCrosse Schools. The LaCrosse School District is a special place with a very focused and caring staff. I feel very blessed to work with some remarkable educators. I believe that I have learned more from observing and working with our staff than they could have learned from me over the past nine years. This recognition is more of team recognition rather than an individual award. Our staff has truly bought into the concept of 'Doing Whatever It Takes' in striving to deliver on our mission of working in partnership with families, youth, and community to prepare students to become responsible citizens, reach their potential, and compete successfully in a changing, challenging, and diverse world. Our staff is in their fifth year of operating as Professional Learning Communities and believes in the importance of working together for student success. Our PLC model (Critical Friends) allows our teachers to discuss ways to support students and teaching strategies to increase student engagement in our classrooms."

Dr. Steve Holland has been a leader for the Raymond School District over the past seven years. He has continuously set goals for administrators, staff, parents, and students. Staff and community members come together through the "Vision Alive Team," which was created by Dr. Holland. This team works together toward developing a data-driven district, including setting goals that will enhance school district morale, improve student work habits, and focus on what is best for students. He also implemented the first formal new teacher program in the district, which includes mentor training. For students, Dr. Holland has guided eligible students to apply for the "College Bound Scholarship Program," in which 84 out of 91 students have enrolled. High school students were able to receive laptops; the first and only small school district to provide this to students. Communications have also improved for everyone under his leadership. A variety of social networking methods have been developed, monthly meetings with classified and certified union reps are ongoing, automated phone calls and emails to parents notify when students are absent, and data reporting systems have been established, which parents and students can monitor performance via internet.

"This award recognizes the hard work of numerous people; whether it’s staff, parents, students, or community members, we achieve the results we do because so many are committed to our mission of 'Every Child Learning,'" states Dr. Holland. "It is truly a privilege to work with such dedicated people. I believe it is the role of a leader to help people identify their best vision and then work with them to create the environment that supports that vision. It has been my honor to work with our community for the past seven years to ensure our students have the very best opportunities we can provide. I wish to thank WASA and PEMCO for the honor and for their support of schools."

The Robert J. Handy Most Effective Administrator Awards seek to recognize outstanding public school administrators in Washington State. Robert J. Handy, the awards’ namesake, founded the PEMCO Life Insurance Company. Handy was a Seattle school teacher during the Great Depression whose vision of providing low-cost loans to school teachers grew into what is now the School Employees Credit Union of Washington.

The Washington Association of School Administrators is a statewide professional association representing nearly 1,100 members including superintendents, central office administrators, and building principals.