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WASHINGTON SUPERINTENDENTS DALE BOWEN OF WISHKAH VALLEY AND MARK JOHNSON OF NOOKSACK VALLEY RECEIVE ROBERT J. HANDY MOST EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATOR AWARDS

In this program, three awards are presented annually based on three district-size categories (less than 500, 501-2000, and 2001+) with a $10,000 award equally divided by the winners. Approximately one-third of Washington’s school districts is 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.

The nomination process, which detailed how each nominee is taking part in actualizing the nine characteristics of highly performing schools/districts as defined by OSPI research, culminated with an awards presentation at the WASA Small Schools Conference in Yakima. Jim Menzies of the PEMCO Foundation presented the awards. The third award winner, for the large district category, will be announced in May at the WASA Superintendent Workshop in Blaine.

Wishkah Valley’s Dale Bowen received the small-district award for his leadership emphasizing consistent, sustainable improvement in student learning. His success in reaching high standards is evidenced by the increasing numbers of students taking challenging courses including chemistry, physics and pre-calculus. Under Dale’s leadership, several research-based methods for improving student learning have been established, including a pilot Student Support Team process whereby students with academic weaknesses follow prescribed interventions (such as after-hours programs and credit redemption opportunities i.e. summer school) designed to bolster academic success. Dale was described in his nomination as “an effective, proactive leader with a nurturing style.”

Winner in the medium-sized district category, Nooksack Valley’s Mark Johnson was recognized as an inspirational instructional leader as well as a successful manager who effectively distributes leadership across the district to ensure proper support for teaching and learning. Most notably, Mark initiated a team to develop teaching standards that have been accepted by all and are emerging as the focus of high expectations and continuous learning for all staff. One outcome of this was the development of “Nooksack University,” a partnership with Seattle Pacific University and ESD 189 through which teachers may attend an array of courses depending on growth areas indicated through self-assessment against the teaching standards. A testament to his leadership, it was stated on his nomination form, “Mark is an amazing superintendent because he knows in his heart that it is his moral responsibility to use his position to provide children with the best education possible.”

In its second year, this program seeks to recognize outstanding Washington State public school administrators. It was named after Robert J. Handy, founder of PEMCO Life Insurance Company. Handy was a Seattle schoolteacher during the Great Depression whose vision of providing low-cost loans to schoolteachers grew into what is now the School Employees Credit Union of Washington.

The Washington Association of School Administrators is a statewide professional association representing 1,100 members including superintendents, central office administrators and building principals. The PEMCO Foundation is an alliance of companies inclusive of PEMCO Insurance Company, the School Employees Credit Union of Washington and Evergreen Bank.

Ed. Note:

• WASA web site - www.wasa-oly.org
• PEMCO web site – www.pemco.com 
• Detailed descriptions of the nine characteristics - http://www.k12.wa.us/SchoolImprovement/success.aspx