HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2025-4648
HR 4648
By Representatives Rude, Klicker, and Santos
WHEREAS, Walla Walla Public Schools superintendent Dr. Wade Smith has dedicated nine years of exceptional service to the district and community; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith has demonstrated outstanding leadership in developing two Strategic Plans, including the most recent: Vision 2030, which advances the district's goal of Developing Washington's Most Sought-After Graduates; and
WHEREAS, Under Dr. Smith's leadership, Walla Walla Public Schools achieved its highest on-time graduation rate in history at 94.5 percent, including a nearly 20 percent increase in the graduation rate for Hispanic students; and
WHEREAS, Despite financial challenges faced by many school districts, Walla Walla Public Schools has remained financially stable, with Dr. Smith successfully focusing on building and preserving its fiscal strength; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith championed bilingual proficiency and cultural understanding within Walla Walla Public Schools, expanding its award-winning Dual Language program to include more classrooms, preparing students for an increasingly globalized world; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith played a key role in supporting the district's Transition to Kindergarten program, ensuring more students enter school better prepared for success; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith's leadership skills are respected and sought after statewide and beyond through his involvement in the Gates Education Roundtable, Washington Association of School Administrators Board of Directors, National Association of School Superintendents, and Schools Insurance Association of Washington Board; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith has presented numerous times at state and national educational conferences on topics such as school bonds and levies, construction delivery models, educational finance, educational leadership, campaign strategies, and district branding and marketing; and
WHEREAS, In 2021, Dr. Smith was recognized by the Washington Association of School Administrators with the Robert J. Handy Most Effective Administrator Award for all large school districts in Washington State for improving outcomes for students by closing the graduation gap for Latino students; and