Webb one of four finalists for American Association of School Administrators’ award

WASA logoOLYMPIA — The American Association of School Administrators (AASA), the nation’s top professional association for school system leaders, has named Dr. Steven Webb, superintendent of Vancouver Public Schools, as one of four finalists for the 2016 AASA National Superintendent of the Year award.

The announcement was made today by AASA at their headquarters in Virginia.

“The four finalists for the 2016 AASA National Superintendent of the Year have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to excellence in the work they do,” said Daniel A. Domenech, executive director, AASA. “As a former superintendent, I know that the demands of a superintendent are incredibly high, which is why we look forward to honoring these outstanding superintendents as well as all of the 2016 State Superintendents of the Year at our National Conference on Education in February.”

Each year, a national blue-ribbon panel of judges selects four finalists for AASA National Superintendent of the Year from among the 49 eligible State Superintendents of the Year. In November, the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) announced Webb as the state winner.

The national panel’s final decision will be based on the written applications and the letters of recommendations. The award will be announced in February at the AASA National Conference on Education in Phoenix.

“We are thrilled for Steve and his family, as well as the students, staff and school board members of Vancouver Public Schools,” said Dr. Bill Keim, WASA executive director. “Steve has worked closely with the staff in Vancouver to improve graduation rates for children in poverty and to personalize education for each and every student in his district. This is remarkable, passionate work that reflects on who he is as an individual, as an educator and as a leader,” said Keim.

“Steve Webb is an outstanding choice for National Superintendent of the Year, and we could not be more proud to have him represent Washington state in this effort.”

Since 2010, the four-year on-time graduation rate in his district has risen from 64 percent to more than 80 percent. Webb also has provided national leadership through the American Association of School Administrators Digital Consortium, Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools, Coalition for Community Schools and U.S. Department of Education Future Ready Initiative.

Any superintendent, chancellor or top leader of a school system in the United States who plans to continue in the profession may be nominated.

To learn more about the AASA award, visit www.aasa.org.

About the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA):
WASA (www.wasa-oly.org) is a non-profit organization committed to the development of quality education through professional leadership. Members benefit from a supportive community of professional leaders working to provide insightful, valuable training, support, and resources. WASA also strives to sustain a positive impact on legislative and community leaders. Membership is open to education administrators in Washington state.