Highline Superintendent John Welch has been named the "most effective administrator" among large school districts in Washington State by the Washington School Administrators Association (WASA) and PEMCO Insurance.
Superintendent Welch will be recognized by the Highline School Board at its regular meeting on May 9 at 6:00 p.m.
In announcing the award, WASA cited Superintendent Welch for excellence in developing a clear and shared vision, demonstrating effective leadership, encouraging high levels of teamwork, aligning curriculum and instruction with standards and assessments, emphasizing professional development, creating and supporting a learning culture, and developing a high level of community involvement.
Superintendent Welch is credited with developing a district vision with a "laser-focus on preparing every student for college, career and citizenship" and for inspiring staff throughout the district to work toward this common vision. He is recognized for working to ensure district decisions at all levels are focused on moving the district toward its vision, and providing the necessary supports to make it happen. Under Welch's leadership, Highline is developing a culture in which all individuals-from senior administrators to teachers to bus drivers-- recognize their part in advancing student success. Welch initiated a K-12 curriculum audit to ensure that instruction is aligned with state standards, as well as a college audit focused on aligning high school courses with college entrance requirements and performance expectations.
District efforts to improve student achievement are based on the philosophy that excellent instruction is critical to student success. To that end, I-728 dollars have been directed to instructional coaching and professional development. Highline's effective instructional coaching practices have been highlighted nationally. Welch is cited for being a master at community outreach, committing resources to working with a wide variety of community leaders and ethnic community organizations.
"The award is one I share with the team in Highline who are working really hard to improve our system in order to make the dream of preparing all students for college and career a reality," commented Welch. "While I am the one being recognized, I know that this has happened because those who work beside me believe in what we are doing and that the students in Highline deserve the very best we can provide."
