SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1991-8621

By Senator Stratton

     WHEREAS, Dr. Gerald Hester, Superintendent of the Spokane School District, has been selected one of the top four school superintendents in the nation by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), recognition never before given to a Washington school superintendent; and

     WHEREAS, Dr. Hester three times has been selected as one of the nation's top 100 school administrators (1984, 1987, 1990); and

     WHEREAS, Dr. Hester's candidacy for AASA Superintendent of the Year was endorsed by the United States Speaker of the House, Thomas S. Foley; Governor Booth Gardner; Superintendent of Public Instruction Judith Billings; and Linda Urquhart, Chair of the National School Board Association, Pacific Region; and

     WHEREAS, Dr. Hester has, since 1980, presided over the smooth and effective operation of thirty-six elementary schools, six middle schools, five high schools, two alternative high schools, and a school for children with severe handicaps; and

     WHEREAS, The success of Dr. Hester's innovative programs affects more than 1,700 teachers, 1,200 classified personnel, 17,400 families, and 29,000 students; and

     WHEREAS, He has demonstrated his commitment to the community with leadership in a variety of community groups, including the Spokane YMCA, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, People to People, and Spokane Visitors and Convention Bureau; and

     WHEREAS, He has enhanced his own reputation and that of the Spokane schools through publication of articles in several prestigious education journals, including The NASSP Bulletin, The School Board Journal, and The Executive Educator; and

     WHEREAS, Dr. Hester has established unique education programs to meet the needs of homeless children, critically at-risk children, and handicapped and low-income preschool children;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the President and members of the Washington State Senate do hereby recognize the achievements of Dr. Gerald Hester, and extend, on behalf of all the citizens of the State of Washington, heartfelt congratulations and appreciation for his contributions to the people of Spokane and our great state; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to Dr. Gerald L. Hester, Superintendent of Spokane School District No. 81 and Mr. Hugh Davis, Public Affairs Officer of Spokane School District No. 81.

I, Gordon A. Golob, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 1991-8621,

adopted by the Senate March 22, 1991.

GORDON A. GOLOB

Secretary of the Senate