WASA News Release - 2006 Washington State Superintendent of the Year


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 18, 2005	CONTACT:	Amy Riggs 360/943-5717 ariggs@wasa-oly.org

2006 WASHINGTON STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR HONOR AWARDED TO BENJAMIN SORIA, YAKIMA SCHOOL DISTRICT

OLYMPIA, Washington - Benjamin A. Soria, superintendent, Yakima School District, was selected as Washington state’s 2006 Superintendent of the Year by the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA). The announcement was made today in Seattle at the association's annual superintendents meeting. Mr. Soria will represent Washington in the National Superintendent of the Year Award Program, which is sponsored by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) and ServiceMaster. In February, the 2006 National Superintendent of the Year will be announced and recognized along with the four state finalists at the AASA National Conference on Education in San Diego, California. “I simply stopped in my tracks when I received word that I had been selected as Washington’s Superintendent of the Year,” stated Soria upon learning of the honor. “It was very humbling news and made me extremely proud. I am thankful to be an educator and to have the opportunity to be a member of the outstanding committed group of educators and school board members that make up the Yakima School District team. This honor belongs to the 'team.' " In support of his candidacy for the award, nominators commended Mr. Soria for fostering a rich environment of district-wide leadership trust, respect and support, which has helped to create a powerful and unifying focus for the district. A strategic "roadmap" illustrates the district's commitment to increasing academic achievement, parental and community involvement and student attendance. The roadmap also identifies specific district-wide goals and steps needed to reach identified targets within each goal. Soria's passion for education resonated in his response to a question about the most rewarding aspect of his role as a superintendent: "To see our students smile, actively work in collaborative teams with their peers, and actually jump for joy when celebrating success. WOW! It doesn't get any better than that!" His innovative and systemic approaches to closing the achievement gap deserve commendation and address the diverse needs of Yakima's students. Systemwide implementation of all-day kindergarten, for example, reaps the benefits of early identification of at-risk students and applies needed interventions without delay. A unique partnership with Mexico provides English language learners with quality Spanish coursework aligned with state standards, which allows students to maintain content area studies while increasing language skills. Soria firmly believes that "schools exist to enable ALL students to be successful." Prior to his current role, Soria served as deputy superintendent in the Tacoma School District and as an associate superintendent in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He holds a master's degree in education from the University of San Diego, CA, and administrative credentials from Long Beach State College, CA. His bachelor's degree was earned from the Kansas State Teachers College, Emporia University, KS. The Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) is a statewide professional association representing 1,100 members including superintendents, central office administrators and building principals. WASA is committed to leadership in providing equity and excellence in student learning, and leadership in developing competent, ethical and visionary leaders. # # # # # Ed. Note: WASA Web site - www.wasa-oly.org AASA Web site - www.aasa.org