Dr. Steve Webb, superintendent, Eisenhower Elementary School

Dr. Steve Webb, Superintendent Vancouver Public Schools at Eisenhower Elementary School.
Photo credit: Katharine Kimball Photography

VPS’ top administrator, Dr. Steve Webb, is Washington state’s 2016 Superintendent of the Year, an honor given by the Washington Association of School Administrators for outstanding leadership.

“Steve is an outstanding voice for public education. His leadership throughout the district, at the national level and within WASA comes at a time when we need strong advocates for our schools,” said Dr. Bill Keim, WASA’s executive director, in a press release. “Steve’s commitment to ensuring all students achieve their best, such as the district’s Opportunity Zone initiative, truly has made a difference in the academic careers of thousands of students and their families. Graduation rates are up, achievement gaps are closing and more students are college-, career- and life-ready. We congratulate Steve and Vancouver Public Schools on this honor.”

“As a superintendent, my job is to create a culture that enables and empowers others to act with focus and coherency in transforming the lives of the children we serve. I’m inspired by the progress we’ve made in Vancouver Public Schools,” said Webb in the release. “I’m honored to accept this award on behalf of our students, staff and community. And I’m proud to represent Washington state.”

He received a $1,000 check from D.A. Davidson & Company to put toward an educational program of his choice and now is in contention for the title of 2016 National Superintendent of the Year.

Webb is the second VPS superintendent to be named the Washington state Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Jim Parsley received the award in 1994.

VPS is one of only three Washington districts to have more than one superintendent selected for this prestigious award.