Press release:

Daniel Yarbrough, principal at Madrona Elementary School in SeaTac, has been named the region’s Distinguished Principal for the 2011-2012 school year by the Elementary School Principals Association of Washington (ESPAW). Yarbrough is one of 17 elementary principals from across the state to receive the honor.

Yarbrough, who received the award for the South King Region, will now be eligible for the state-level Principal of the Year award, which will be announced in March. The state’s winner will advance to the national level.

Of Madrona’s 600 students, 93 percent live in poverty and half are not proficient English-speakers. Under Yarbrough’s leadership, Madrona improved its scores as much as 20 percent on last year’s state exams in reading, math, and science.

Madrona outperforms many schools with similar populations.

“Daniel has never let the demographics of the students and families he serves be a predictor for low achievement,” says Susanne Jerde, Executive Director of K-12 Schools at Highline. “Daniel has a relentless belief and leadership around high standards.”

Video of Daniel Yarbrough accepting the award is available at http://bit.ly/dyaward

Regional Distinguished Principals are chosen for their leadership skills and how they have:
· Benefited curriculum, staff morale, community support, student interest and the learning environment
· Inspired teachers and others to achieve and contribute to the school environment
· Resulted in service or achievements above and beyond what is expected in the usual school program
· Demonstrated that the principal is a force for positive change.

The National Distinguished Principals Program is sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals in conjunction with ESPAW and the Association of Washington School Principals.