WASA News Release - 2006 WASA Honorary Awards

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WASA
News Release
Olympia, Washington	360/943-5717


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 26, 2006	CONTACT:	Amy Riggs 360/943-5717 ariggs@wasa-oly.org

Washington state education leaders recognize and honor outstanding colleagues and organizations for their service to public education

OLYMPIA, Washington – At today’s annual awards luncheon of the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), school leaders, community citizens and organizations were recognized for their outstanding efforts to enhance and further the quality of public education in Washington state. Among the awards presented were: WASA Golden Gavel Award – Governor Christine Gregoire Service to WASA Award – Washington’s Educational Service Districts (ESDs) WASA Leadership Award – Bremerton School District Superintendent Dr. Bette Hyde The WASA Golden Gavel Award is WASA’s most prestigious award and was presented this year to Governor Christine Gregoire for making exceptional contributions to public education in Washington. Governor Gregoire has advocated for quality public education and leadership—as shown in the creation of Washington Learns to analyze, highlight and address the need for refining and supporting the strong infrastructure needed to provide world-class learning for all of Washington’s children—which reflects a real passion and commitment to youth. "Schools are the great equalizer in today's workforce - rich or poor, all students should have the chance to succeed and to compete in the global economy," said Governor Gregoire. "We must have a seamless educational system that promotes growth and achievement through all stages. We must step up to the challenge, and together, with our teachers and administrators; we can deliver on our promise to Washington's children." Washington’s Educational Service Districts (ESDs) were honored with the Service to WASA Award for their outstanding contributions statewide toward the goals of WASA and public education. “The ESDs were a unanimous choice by the statewide WASA Honorary Awards Committee,” stated WASA Executive Director Dr. Jill Jacoby. “Educational Service Districts play a vital role in helping Washington’s public schools successfully meet the rigorous demands of today’s complex society. They respond to a wide variety of needs faced by local districts by providing a range of cost-effective and high quality support, based on the specific needs of the regions they serve.” Upon being notified of selection for the award, Dr. Walter Bigby, Olympic ESD 114 Superintendent and chair of the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD) commented, “On behalf of the nine Educational Service Districts, I would like to thank WASA for honoring ESDs with the prestigious Service to WASA Award. School districts face enormous challenges in meeting higher standards with diminishing resources and it has been our goal to assist on a regional basis wherever possible. We look forward to strengthening our partnerships with school districts and WASA.” Bremerton School District Superintendent Dr. Bette Hyde received the 2006 WASA Leadership Award for statewide contributions to the field of education. Dr. Hyde was selected for this year’s award for her outstanding contributions as a member of Washington Learns K-12 Advisory Committee, her leadership as chair of the Committee’s K-12 Structures/Policies sub-committee and her deep commitment to ensure that all students will enter kindergarten with the learning readiness and interpersonal skills needed to succeed. She also is acknowledged for pioneering work in the development of “Crossroads,” a collaborative school and community network to support education on the Olympic Peninsula. Responding to her selection for the award, Dr. Hyde stated, “I am very honored to receive this award. My work on Washington Learns committees and other statewide and regional efforts reflects the energy and hope all administrators devote to developing a better system to support the learning of all students. This is our ‘teachable moment’ to make major changes in our educational system. I value WASA’s leadership and support to help make it so.” Through additional leadership for student achievement awards, awards of merit, twenty-year and retiree awards, WASA also recognized the outstanding leadership and dedicated service of association members to WASA and the field of education. A complete list is available here. About the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) The Washington Association of School Administrators is committed to the development of quality education through professional leadership. Members benefit from a supportive community of professional leaders working to provide insightful and valuable training, support and resources to education leaders, and to sustain a positive impact on legislative and community leaders. With more than 1,600 members, membership is open to all education administrators in central office, building managements and educational agency positions. A not-for profit organization, WASA is funded by membership dues and association events. # # # # #