Vashon’s Dr. Stephanie Spencer recognized as top state school administrator

Published 1:30 am Thursday, August 31, 2023

Vashon’s own Dr. Stephanie Spencer has been honored as one of the best school administrators in Washington State.

Dr. Spencer, the Director of Teaching and Learning for the Vashon Island School District (VISD), earned the title of “Most Effective Administrator for a Medium-Sized School District” in June.

The district unveiled the award to staff last week, executive assistant to the superintendent Peter Woodbrook said.

The award is named after Robert J. Handy, an educator who traveled to the Puget Sound region in 1923 and founded the Seattle Teachers’ Credit Union in 1936, according to historylink.org. It recognizes public school administrators who foster positive educational environments, push for innovation and make their school communities better.

A press release from the school district lauded Spencer’s leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

“Her dedication to ensuring that every student has equal access to high-quality education has paved the way for a more inclusive learning community where students feel more seen and heard,” VISD Superintendent Dr. Slade McSheehy said in a prepared statement.

Dr. Spencer also helped shape the district’s recent strategic planning process and managed state and federal grant programs effectively, according to the district.

The award recipients are selected from peer nominations reviewed by a peer committee.

One administrator is selected from a small (up to 500 students), medium (501 to 2000 students) and large (over 2000 students) school district, with a $10,500 award equally divided among the three recipients.