PASCO, Wash. – Pasco Schools Superintendent Michelle Whitney has been named the 2026 Washington State Superintendent of the Year by the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA).
WASA Executive Director Jeff Snell commended Whitney for her dedication to educational equity and community partnerships.
“Her leadership has brought a sharper focus on individual student success—expanding access, lifting student voices and building a culture of belonging that has improved outcomes and strengthened community trust.”
Whitney expressed her gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the collective effort of her team and community.
“This recognition is not just about leadership; it’s about the power of public education to transform lives. I am proud to lead from a place where stories matter and where service, not spotlight, defines our work,” she said.
Whitney is now in the running for the 2026 National Superintendent of the Year, to be announced in February at the AASA National Conference in Nashville.
