The Washington Association of School Administrators honored Seattle Public Schools Executive Director of Schools Mike Starosky with the D.A. Davidson Barbara Mertens Legacy Award.
The honor was presented earlier this month during the 41st annual Summer Conference of WASA and the Association of Washington School Principals.
According to press release, WASA Executive Director Joel Aune said the award is presented to “an individual or group who has had a significant impact on public education in Washington — a legacy that has a lasting influence.”
Starosky, who has worked at SPS since 1994, said he was honored to be recognized by his peers.
“Of course, the recognition is very nice, but the most important part of my work — and of all of us who work in education — is doing everything we can to positively impact students,” Starosky said.
The WASA-AWSP Summer Conference, themed “Junetastic,” was attended virtually by nearly 600 school superintendents, central office administrators, and principals from across Washington. Presenters focused on three leadership themes: Instructional Practice; Social Emotional Learning for Staff and Students; and Equity.
As part of the award, Starosky received a gift of $1,000, which he is donating to students in the doctoral Leadership for Learning program at the University of Washington. For more information about WASA, visit https://www.wasa-oly.org/.