MASA Superintendent of the Year—Paula Dawning

Effective leadership, one of the main components of the Michigan School Improvement Framework, is an essential aspect of strengthening Michigan’s schools, recognizing that quality offers the opportunity to learn from example.

Administrators play a crucial role in the school improvement process and the Michigan Association of School Administrators (MASA) recognizes the talent and skill of Michigan’s top administrators. MASA awarded Paula Dawning, Superintendent of Benton Harbor Area Schools, as MASA’s Superintendent of the Year for 2005. Dawning was recognized for her vision, energy, and commitment to Benton Harbor Area Schools’ students. Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education President Allene Smith nominated Dawning for this award. In the nomination application, Smith wrote, “Paula Dawning…is outstanding in her management of the school district. She shows compassion for all students and staff while concentrating on achievement of the best education possible for each student. She stresses that each student must have the necessary tools for success….Due to her interpersonal skills and keen oversight of financial management, our district shows good management in spite of the budget cuts coming from the state.”

The selection of Superintendent of the Year is part of the American Association of School Administrator’s (AASA) National Superintendent of the Year program. As the Michigan honoree, Dawning became a finalist for the National Superintendent of the Year. MASA recognized Dawning at its Midwinter Conference in Detroit in January 2006.

In addition, Dawning’s name is inscribed on a commemorative plaque on display at the MASA office in Lansing. The selection was made by a panel of representatives from a number of educational organizations, including the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, Michigan Education Association, and Michigan School Business Officials.

For more information on the award and nomination process, contact: Linda Wacyk, Michigan Association of School Administrators, 1001 Centennial Way, Ste. 300, Lansing, MI 48917, (517) 327-9262 or visit http://www.michiganedusource.org/Awards/RegionalSuper.htm.

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