Jeffco school leader on short list for national award
JEFFERSON COUNTY – Dr. Cindy Stevenson, superintendent of Jeffco Public Schools, is a finalist for a prestigious national award, the school district announced Thursday.
Dr. Cindy Stevenson
Stevenson and three others are on the shortlist of nominees for the 2010 ASASA National Superintendent of the Year program. The four were selected by the by the American Association of School Administrators.
The finalists, chosen from 49 state-level finalists, interviewed at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 12, by a national selection panel of educators, businesspeople and government officials.
The award is co-sponsored by ARAMARK Education and ING and has been awarded annually for 23 years in its 23rd year, in recognition of the contributions and leadership of public school superintendents. AASA will announce the winner at the National Conference on Education in Phoenix, Ariz., on Feb. 11, 2010.
The other three finalists for 2010 AASA National Superintendent of the Year are Joyce C. Levey, superintendent, Tuscaloosa City Schools, Ala.; Elizabeth Molina Morgan, superintendent, Washington County Public Schools, Maryland; and Walt Rulffes, superintendent, Clark County School District, Nev.
“AASA is pleased to recognize these four outstanding superintendents,” said AASA Executive Director Daniel A. Domenech. “Their dedication to transforming schools, providing quality education for all students, and working with the school community to advance student success represents the best in school system leadership today.”
Stevenson has been superintendent in Jeffco since 2002. She previously served as deputy superintendent in the district. She received her bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Colorado.
She recently was recognized by the Colorado Association of School Executives as their
2010 Superintendent of the Year.
In selecting Stevenson as a finalist for the national award, the AASA cited her contribution “to the development of teachers and educational leaders in Jefferson County, maintaining a focus on student achievement, improving teaching and learning, creating community partnerships and focusing on continuous improvement,” according to Thursday’s announcement.
The AASA award is based on creativity in meeting the needs of students; personal and organizational communication; continuing efforts to update administrative knowledge and skills and providing professional development opportunities and motivation to others on the education team; active participation in local community activities as well as an understanding of regional, national and international issues.
The award, which will be presented Feb. 11, also includes a $10,000 college scholarship that will be granted to a student at the winner’s alma mater. Stevenson graduated from Lakewood High School.
