ESD 112 Superintendent Tim Merlino and the staff of ESD 112 were honored by the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) at their 2020-21 state awards ceremony, held virtually on June 28.
Merlino and ESD 112 were presented with the WASA Leadership Award for demonstrating leadership in the state-wide procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) for school districts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Anticipating the need for school districts across Washington to acquire PPE before and during the 2020-21 school year, Merlino and ESD 112 stepped up to help. His leadership resulted in statewide PPE procurement and distribution, benefitting over 400 public and private school districts in the state.
Under Merlino’s leadership, ESD 112 acquired and helped to deliver:
- 19 million face coverings.
- 840,000 pounds of sanitizing wipes.
- 120,000 boxes of gloves.
- 250,000 gowns.
- 80,000 gallons of sanitizer.
- While driving 250,000+ miles for deliveries.
When presented with the award, Merlino recognized the entire ESD 112 team and board, school leaders in the ESD 112 region, and educators across the state.
“This year I have seen more courageous decisions made and leadership displayed than in any of my prior 35 years in education,” Merlino said. “I am proud of the work we have collectively done to provide learning opportunities, and keeping children and communities safe during a very challenging time.”
The WASA Leadership Award is presented to one select WASA member who demonstrates and exemplifies outstanding leadership abilities and who has made significant contributions to the field of education on a statewide level. Merlino and ESD 112 were nominated for the honor by the public school superintendents of ESD 112.
