Pasco honors outgoing director Amy Phillips; Superintendent Whitney named Washington State Superintendent of the Year
Summary
The board presented awards to outgoing Director Amy Phillips and recognized Superintendent Michelle Whitney for being named the 2026 Washington State Superintendent of the Year; speakers highlighted Phillips' leadership and Whitney's district initiatives and candidacy for the national AASA award.
The Pasco School Board used its Dec. 9 meeting to recognize two district leaders.
Amy Phillips, who was first elected to the Pasco School Board in 2013 and served as board president in 2019 and again from 2023–24, was honored for more than a decade of service. Superintendent Michelle Whitney and multiple board members praised Phillips for leadership during challenging moments, including the teacher strike and the district’s COVID-era decisions. The district presented Phillips with a certificate and plaque; Phillips thanked staff, family and the community.
Separately, the board recognized Superintendent Michelle Whitney after the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) named her the 2026 Washington State Superintendent of the Year. The board described Whitney’s work advancing educational equity, strengthening community partnerships and implementing district strategies such as the State of the Schools review. Whitney said being chosen by peers was an honor and that the recognition reflects the district team’s work to “invest in kids in a way that I think is really unique.” She is now a candidate for the 2026 AASA national superintendent award, to be announced in February in Nashville.
Both recognitions were accompanied by student and community remarks praising the honorees. The board displayed plaques and announced that Whitney’s award materials will be displayed in the district office.
