Renton superintendent up for national award | Schools

Renton’s top educator has once again been singled out for her good work, this time being named a finalist for the 2011 National Superintendent of the Year.

Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel was already named Washington State Superintendent of the Year, and she’s one of only four other educators from around the country still in the running for the prestigious national award.

Heuschel is letting the good news sink in before heading to Washington D.C. this weekend for the final interview in the awards process.

“It’s thrilling,” she said. “I’m humbled, I’m honored. It recognizes the fabulous work that the team in the Renton School District has accomplished.”

The award is handed out by the American Association of School Administrators. In deciding a winner, AASA offices will look at a superintendent's leadership, creativity in successfully meeting the needs of students, personal and organizational communication, professionalism, community involvement, and an understanding of regional, national and international issues.

Heuschel, a former Deputy State Superintendent, has been superintendent of the 14,000-student Renton School District since 2006.

Among her many accomplishments, Heuschel and her team are credited with raising the high school graduation rate from under 73 percent just five years ago to 93 percent today.

Heuschel will learn whether or not she won the award at a February ceremony.