Pasco Superintendent Michelle Whitney Named Washington State Superintendent of the Year

The Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) has named Michelle Whitney, Superintendent of Pasco School District (PSD), as the 2026 Washington State Superintendent of the Year.

The announcement was made during WASA’s Fall Superintendent Component meeting in Seattle. The annual award recognizes exemplary leadership among Washington’s superintendents and honors those who demonstrate outstanding service, vision, and commitment to public education.

In announcing this year’s selection, WASA Executive Director Jeff Snell highlighted Whitney’s steadfast commitment to advancing educational equity, strengthening community partnerships, and creating opportunities for every student to succeed.

“Michelle Whitney’s leadership in the Pasco School District shows what it truly means to put students at the center of everything we do,” Snell said. “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. Michelle leads with grace, courage, and compassion—qualities that inspire everyone around her to do the same.”

For Whitney, the recognition is deeply meaningful—not just as a personal honor, but as a reflection of the collective commitment of her team and community.

“Being named Washington State’s Superintendent of the Year is a deeply meaningful honor—one made even more special knowing I was nominated by a member of the Pasco School Board of Directors and selected by peers from across the state,” Whitney said. “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—where the challenges we carry become the foundation of our purpose, and where service, not spotlight, defines our work.”

A Record of Transformative Leadership

Whitney has served as superintendent of Pasco School District since 2016, leading a district of more than 18,800 students and 2,250 employees in one of the most diverse and rapidly growing communities in eastern Washington.

Under her leadership, PSD has implemented transformative initiatives focused on expanding opportunity, strengthening family and community trust, and redefining student-centered education. Whitney’s work emphasizes equitable access to programs, transparent communication, and deep partnerships that uplift every school.

Her student-centered and collaborative approach has created a culture where all students are valued, empowered, and equipped to thrive.

A Lifelong Pasco Educator

A Pasco native, Whitney began her career as a kindergarten and fourth-grade teacher, later serving as a school counselor, assistant principal, principal, and district administrator. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees, along with principal and superintendent certifications, from Washington State University, as well as an associate degree from Columbia Basin College.

Her leadership has earned her numerous honors, including:

• 2024 Woman of Distinction, Washington State University Tri-Cities
• Columbia Basin College Alumna of the Year

National Superintendent of the Year Candidate

As Washington’s Superintendent of the Year, Whitney is now a candidate for the 2026 AASA National Superintendent of the Year Award, which will be announced in February at the AASA National Conference on Education in Nashville.