Dr. Gary Cohn with members of the Everett School Board
Dr. Gary Cohn has been named 2017 Superintendent of the Year by Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA). The award is designed to recognize the outstanding leadership of active, front-line superintendents and pay tribute to those who lead our public schools.
“Washington State is fortunate to have such talented superintendents leading our public schools,” said Dr. Bill Keim, WASA executive director. “Dr. Gary Cohn is an outstanding selection from that group to serve as our state’s 2017 Superintendent of the Year. Gary exemplifies a deep commitment to the success of all students along with the knowledge and skills to translate that vision into reality for Everett’s students and community.”
Under Cohn’s leadership, Everett Public Schools is a high performing district that is recognized statewide and nationally for student achievement. Despite increasing poverty and homelessness, Everett students continue to outperform the state on assessments in every subject and every grade, and in many cases, surpassing the state in double digits. The district’s most recent four-year graduation rate is 90.2 percent and the five-year graduation rate is 94.5 percent. The district has the highest graduation rate for English language learners in the state.
“We are fortunate to work with a superintendent who holds a focused and aligned vision of how public education can provide the tools for each student to be successful now and after graduation,” said Board President Ted Wenta. “It is an honor to work with Dr. Cohn in implementing that vision in Everett Public Schools.”
As the state’s Superintendent of the Year, Cohn will be a candidate for the 2017 American Association of School Administrators’ (AASA) National Superintendent of the Year Award. The national award will be announced in March at the AASA National Conference on Education in New Orleans, LA.
“It is a tremendous honor to be selected Washington’s Superintendent of the Year,” shared Superintendent Gary Cohn. “Anyone involved in schools today knows this type of recognition is an indicator of an outstanding team of professionals in a school district: teachers, principals, support staff, district leaders, and school board directors who are committed to the success of each student. Everett’s team is truly exceptional in working with students, families, community, and partners to remove barriers to success, and in its unwavering commitment to continuous improvement in student achievement. It is a great privilege to serve as superintendent of Everett Public Schools, to be able to work with so many outstanding professionals committed to ensuring each student graduates career and college ready.”
Everett Public Schools serves more than 19,700 students in 26 schools and employs more than 2,000 certificated and classified staff. The district spans 39 miles including the cities of Everett, Mill Creek, and unincorporated portions of Snohomish County. Cohn first joined the district in 2009. Prior to that, he served as superintendent of the Port Angeles School District. He also served as vice president of the Lake Washington Technical College, and coordinator/supervisor for the Lake Washington School District.
Cohn holds a Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts, and he earned his superintendent leadership credentials from Seattle University.
In addition to his district responsibilities, Cohn serves on the Boards of United Way, YMCA of Snohomish County, Snohomish County Health Alliance, Washington Alliance for Better Schools, the Governor’s Council for the Healthiest Next Generation at the invitation of Gov. Inslee, and most recently, was inducted into the Washington DECA Hall of Fame. Cohn and his wife, Sue, serve as co-chairs for the Tocqueville Society of the United Way.
Washington’s Superintendent of the Year is awarded a $1,000 check from D.A. Davidson & Company to use toward a school or educational program of their choice.
November 19, 2016
Everett Schools