Superintendent Adam Swinyard has been nominated for a 2026 Excellence Award by the National Association of School Superintendents (NASS).
He was nominated for his leadership in the Together Spokane initiative, partnering with Spokane Parks and Recreation and other entities to improve schools, parks and neighborhoods citywide through an aligned school bond and parks levy; voters approved both measures in 2025.
“The challenges facing education today are complex and constantly evolving, and no single leader or organization can address them alone,” shared Dr. Swinyard in a NASS interview. “I’ve come to appreciate the value of tapping into the collective wisdom, expertise, and connections of others—whether that’s teachers and staff within the system, community organizations, higher education partners, or regional and national networks. These partnerships not only expand capacity but also bring fresh perspectives that can lead to more innovative and effective solutions. Over time, it becomes clear that progress is accelerated when we approach the work as a shared responsibility.”
NASS recognizes outstanding achievements in educational leadership with Excellence Awards in seven categories:
Communication & Community Engagement
Finesse & Agility
Innovative Initiative
Safety & Security
Technology & AI
Power Leadership (districts with more than 2,500 students)
Power Leadership (districts with less than 2,500 students)
Winners will be celebrated at the NASS Honoring and Pursing Excellence Conference in October 2026.