Dec. 17, 2009 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information:
Melissa Reeves, mdreeves@jeffco.k12.co.us, Jeffco Public Schools, 303-982-6567
Lynn Setzer, lsetzer@jeffco.k12.co.us, Jeffco Public Schools, 303-982-6810

Jeffco superintendent finalist for 2010 Superintendent of the Year

Dr. Cindy Stevenson, superintendent of Jeffco Public Schools, has been named one of four finalists in the 2010 AASA National Superintendent of the Year program. The finalists were chosen from 49 state-level Superintendent of the Year finalists. The four finalists will be at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 12, 2010, where they will be interviewed by a national blue-ribbon selection panel of educators, businesspeople and government officials.

The program, co-sponsored by ARAMARK Education, ING and the American Association of School Administrators and now in its 23rd year, celebrates the contributions and leadership of public school superintendents. AASA will announce the winner at the National Conference on Education in Phoenix, Ariz., on Feb. 11, 2010.

The other three finalists for 2010 AASA National Superintendent of the Year are:

• Joyce C. Levey, superintendent, Tuscaloosa City Schools, Alabama
• Elizabeth Molina Morgan, superintendent, Washington County Public Schools, Maryland
• Walt Rulffes, superintendent, Clark County School District, Nevada

“AASA is pleased to recognize these four outstanding superintendents,” said AASA Executive Director Daniel A. Domenech. “Their dedication to transforming schools, providing quality education for all students, and working with the school community to advance student success represents the best in school system leadership today.”

Stevenson has been superintendent of the Jeffco Public Schools since 2002. She previously served as deputy superintendent in the district. She received her bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Colorado.

Stevenson was recognized for contributing to the development of teachers and educational leaders in Jefferson County, maintaining a focus on student achievement, improving teaching and learning, creating community partnerships and focusing on continuous improvement.

The applicants were measured against the following criteria:

• Leadership for learning – creativity in successfully meeting the needs of students in the school system.
• Communication – strength in both personal and organizational communication.
• Professionalism – constant improvement of administrative knowledge and skills, while providing professional development opportunities and motivation to others on the education team.
• Community involvement – active participation in local community activities and an understanding of regional, national and international issues.

A $10,000 college scholarship will be presented in the name of the National Superintendent of the Year to a student in the high school from which the superintendent graduated, or the school now serving the same area. Stevenson’s alma mater is Lakewood High School.

The National Superintendent of the Year will receive a jacket emblazoned with the National Superintendent of the Year emblem and, with the three other national finalists, will be recognized at the AASA National Conference on Education on Feb. 11, 2010.  

For more information about the National Superintendent of the Year program, please contact Sharon Mullen at smullen@aasa.org or 703-875-0717.