April 26, 2005

Contacts:          

Jocelyn McCabe, Director of Communications
Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP)
360.357.7951 or 360.951.5269 (mobile)
jocelyn@awsp.org

Rich Buel, Director of Communications
Kennewick School District
509.222.7424
buelri@ksd.org

Editor’s Note: David Montague will be available at Washington Elementary School on Wednesday, April 27, between 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. for media availability (photos/video of him interacting with kids). A complete list of all regional candidates follows at the end of this release.

Kennewick Educator Named State’s Distinguished Elementary Principal
Washington Elementary Principal David Montague selected for prestigious award

OLYMPIA – The poster in Washington Elementary Principal David Montague’s office largely sums up his commitment to student achievement: “All students can learn. We can teach them. No exceptions. No excuses.”

It’s this sort of vision and dedication that has helped his students and staff consistently achieve high marks. It’s also helped him earn the state’s top elementary school principal award, as announced today by the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) and its elementary component board, the Elementary School Principals Association of Washington (ESPAW).

“It is an honor to be selected for such a prestigious award,” said Montague. “I see it not only as a tribute to myself, but also to the staff and school community of Washington Elementary School.”

A longtime Kennewick-area educator, Montague’s selection comes as no surprise to those who know and work with him. Under his leadership, the school has seen its students steadily improve their skills in core subjects like reading, writing and math, as measured on both state and national assessments. This focus on student achievement according to Kennewick Superintendent Dr. Paul Rosier is directly attributable to Montague’s clear vision for his school.

"Dave Montague's selection as Distinguished Principal of the Year confirms to the rest of the state what those of us in the Kennewick School District have known for a very long time,” said Rosier. “When it comes to teaching kids and helping them reach their fullest potential, Dave is unparalleled in his dedication, his commitment, and his passion for his work,” he said. “A school always reflects its principal and Dave has a clear vision of where staff, students and community are headed. He is truly an amazing educator."

Under Montague’s leadership, teachers and students work collaboratively toward common goals.

Creating a professional learning community focused on student achievement can be challenging for many principals. Montague, however, has worked to develop strong relationships with staff and has been able to work with all stakeholders in developing a clear vision and mission for the school.  

“Strong leadership is a critical component of successful schools. David Montague’s clear vision and commitment to building relationship with students, community and staff are reflective of that kind of professionalism,” said Gary Kipp, AWSP executive director. “David truly understands the importance of teamwork and has taken steps to make Washington a place where learning is valued by students and adults alike. I know he will represent our state well at the national level.”      

The final selection for each state's candidate is made by the NAESP state affiliate (AWSP, in the case of Washington state). Montague was one of 18 principals selected from regional nominations around the state (see list below).

As the state’s 2005 National Distinguished Principal candidate, Montague will serve as the state’s nominee to the National Distinguished Principals Program, an award established by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). The award serves to honor exemplary elementary and middle school principals who set the pace, character, and quality of the education children receive during their early school years. One principal is selected from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Montague has been a principal for 27 years and has led Washington Elementary as principal since 1983. Before his tenure at Washington, he was an assistant principal at Highland Middle School and Park Middle School, both in the Kennewick School District. He began his career in education as a teacher at Park Middle School. Montague earned his administrative credentials from Washington State University. He also holds a bachelor of arts in education from Central Washington University in Ellensburg. In addition to his professional work, Montague is involved in a number of community and civic activities, including the United Way. 

The formal award ceremony for all state nominees takes place in Washington, D.C., each fall. Nominees participate in a series of events and activities over the course of two days, culminating in a formal awards banquet. AWSP and the elementary board will formally honor Montague and the regional winners this October at the Association’s K-12 Conference in Spokane.

For more information on the National Distinguished Principal program, visit the Web at: www.naesp.org/ndp.htm.

To learn more about Washington Elementary, visit the school’s Web site at: http://www.ksd.org/washington.

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About the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP)

The Association of Washington School Principals is a professional association serving principals and assistant principals. Formed in 1972, the Association now includes more than 3,300 members from public and private elementary, middle and high schools statewide. The mission of AWSP is to support principals and assistant principals and the principalship in the education of all students.

ESPAW Distinguished Principals for 2005

Each year, the Elementary School Principals Association of Washington (ESPAW) reviews regional applications for the National Distinguished Principals Program. Nominees are evaluated on an array of principal leadership criteria, including:

• Ways in which the principal's leadership has benefited curriculum, staff morale, community support, student interest, and the learning environment.
• Ways in which the principal provides creative leadership to inspire teachers and others to achieve and contribute to the school environment.
• Examples of service or achievements above and beyond what is expected in the usual school program.
• Ways in which others have acknowledged the principal as a force for positive change.

This year’s regional NDP candidates are:

Capital Region
Kimberly Fry
Principal, Rochester Primary
Rochester SD

Columbia Basin Region
Pete J. Knittle
Principal, Lakeview Terrace Elementary
Moses Lake SD

Columbia River Region
Deborah L. Morgan
Principal, Olympic Elementary
Longview SD

East King County Region
Greg C. Schell
Principal, Somerset Elementary
Belleview SD

Harbor Region
William G. O’Donnell
Principal, A.J. West Elementary
Aberdeen SD

Lake Wallula Region
David J. Montague
Principal, Washington Elementary
Kennewick SD

North Central Region
Connie Strawn
Principal, Lewis & Clark Elementary
Wenatchee SD

Northeast Region
Bonnie W. Bantis
Principal, Arcadia Elementary
Deer Park SD

Northwest Region
Susan M. Holmes
Principal, Custer Elementary
Ferndale SD

Palouse Region
Marilyn Brennan
Principal, Heights Elementary
Clarkston SD

Peninsula Region
David L. McVicker*
Principal, Emerald Heights
Central Kitsap SD

* David McVicker was also selected for the 2005 NDP award, but due to a re-assignment to the district office, he was unable to accept the award. Per program rules, all state candidates must be building principals at the time the awards are presented (October 2005).

Pierce Region
Kay Gallo
Principal, McAlder Elementary
Sumner SD

Seattle Region
Carol Coram
Principal, Arbor Heights Elementary
Seattle Public Schools

Snohomish Region
Cathie E. West
Principal, Mountain Way Elementary
Granite Falls SD

South Central Region
Cathy P. Benedetti
Principal, Ahtanum Elementary
West Valley [Yakima] SD

South King County Region
Robin Logan
Principal, Gildo Rey Elementary
Auburn SD

Spokane Region
Paul E. Stone
Principal, Mullan Road Elementary
Spokane Public Schools

Tacoma Region
Glenda Blackburn
Principal, Franklin Elementary
Tacoma Public Schools