For Immediate Release • December 6, 2005
Terren Roloff, Director
Community Relations
Phone: 354-7338

SPS announces Principal of the Year

Spokane Public Schools today made a surprise announcement at Holmes Elementary School, naming Principal Steve Barnes the Dick Stannard Distinguished Principal of the Year, an award named for a much-loved Spokane Public Schools’ principal who passed away in 1996.

The National Distinguished Principals’ Program nomination form asks for information that shows a nominee’s purposeful leadership, instructional leadership, resource development and interpersonal skills.

Those who nominated Barnes characterize him as a true collaborator.

“For Steve, being a principal is 99 percent relationships and 1 percent management,” wrote Wilson Principal Rita Forsythe. “You can tell by talking to him that he honors and values the people in his life.”

“According to his staff, Steve makes significant connections with kids; they love him,” wrote Browne Principal Lou Haymond. “He becomes a large part of their lives.”

Barnes also has a great ability to motivate, Haymond added, calling him a “giant cheerleader.”

“Steve worked diligently to turn his vision for improving student learning at Holmes into the entire school’s vision – and it worked in the first year of his principalship there,” wrote Garfield Principal Joann Ekstrom.

Barnes has worked in a number of schools throughout the district over the past 18 years, including Browne, Bemiss and Pratt. He will now be considered for the Washington State Principal of the Year Award.

Congratulations!