press .releases
For Immediate Release: April 9, 2010
Kinsley to Retire as WSLA Director
Veteran educator will replace Kinsley in fall
OLYMPIA, Wash.—April 9, 2010—Leadership changes are on the horizon for the Washington State Leadership Academy (WSLA), the district-based professional development program administered in partnership between the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) and the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA).
In June, WSLA will bid farewell to its director, Dale Kinsley, who recently announced plans to retire. Kinsley has led WSLA since its inception in 2007. He has been instrumental in building the Leadership Academy into an innovative, successful leadership support program for district and building administrators. Under his guidance, WSLA has served 30 school districts from six educational service districts (ESDs).
Kinsley's career in public education spans more than 40 years. He came to WSLA from Bellingham Public Schools, where he served 18 years as superintendent.
"Dale has been an exceptional leader as the director of the Academy," commented Paul Rosier, executive director of WASA. "He led the planning and implementation of the Academy. He literally took a dream and made it a reality. WSLA is a model education leadership development and training system for the country because of Dale's leadership."
Moving into the role of director will be Carol Whitehead, who currently serves as both an instructor and a coach for WSLA. An educator for more than 40 years, Whitehead has worked as a teacher, principal and K–12 curriculum director. She has also been a faculty member at both Western Washington University and the University of Washington, where she taught classes for students on course to become principals and superintendents. Prior to joining the WSLA staff, Whitehead served as superintendent of Everett Public Schools.
"Carol is an excellent choice," stated Kinsley, "She has the background and experience to provide strong leadership to take the Academy to new heights."
The transition between Kinsley and Whitehead is expected to begin this summer.
About the Washington State Leadership Academy
The Washington State Leadership Academy is a district-based professional development program administered in partnership between the Association of Washington School Principals and the Washington Association of School Administrators. The mission of the Academy is to develop and support school leaders to create educational systems where powerful instruction helps all students succeed. Unlike most professional development opportunities, WSLA is not designed for individuals. Rather, the unique two-year program invites district teams of administrators to participate; districts are selected for participation by their Educational Service District (ESD). Each team is assigned a coach, who provides guidance and feedback throughout the duration of the two-year process.
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Washington State Leadership Academy
Contact: Amy Riggs, Communication and technology Specialist
1021 8th Avenue SE, Olympia WA 98501
360-970-4299 | www.waleadershipacademy.org
