Superintendent Rundle Honored with WASBO 2024 Leader of Distinction Award

Tacoma, WA, May 9, 2024 - The Washington Association of School Business Officials (WASBO) presented Mercer Island School District Superintendent Dr. Fred Rundle with their 2024 Leader of Distinction Award this morning at the annual WASBO conference which was held at the Tacoma Convention Center. 

WASBO’s Leader of Distinction award was created last year by their Board of Directors to recognize a Superintendent who cultivates a positive and collaborative work environment, advocates for professional growth opportunities, and works closely with finance and operations to implement innovative business solutions.

“I am humbled and honored to receive this award but I do so on behalf of our entire school district,” said Rundle. “It takes a strong finance team, exceptional district and building leaders, knowledgeable administrative assistants, strong partnerships with MIEA, PTA, MISF, and the stewardship from our school board to navigate these challenging financial times. I especially tip my hat to our business team of Oanh Garvik, Tiffany Comeau, Jacquie Garcia-Fauver, Kay Adams, and Matt Sullivan for the wonderful work they do which made this award possible.”

WASBO’s announcement of the award winner included this statement: “Dr. Rundle is being recognized for his exceptional leadership in assembling a collaborative team and working proactively to support and maintain the district’s finances. Fred was nominated by Kay Adams, Director of Finance and Matt Sullivan, Executive Director of Finance and Operations. His nominations highlighted his clear care for the best interest of staff and students. With continued support of professional development and an openminded, collaborative approach, Dr. Rundle has shown exemplary leadership in his role as Superintendent of Mercer Island School District.”

The  criteria for the award includes:

• Creates and nurtures a positive work environment.
• Collaborates with finance and operations.
• Promotes professional development for finance and operations staff.
• Supports innovative business solutions.                         

Superintendent Rundle was joined at the WASBO conference by Matt Sullivan, Executive Director of Finance and Operations, Kay Adams, Director of Finance and Deborah Lurie, School Board President.

About WASBO
WASBO is a professional association for anyone concerned with the business administration, finance, and operations of schools in Washington State. WASBO has over 1,900 members and it hosts professional development workshops and webinars throughout the year. WASBO has 11 active networking groups and online forums, two in-person conferences, the Annual Conference and the Business Managers Conference. WASBO’s mission is to engage, develop, and serve successful leaders in school finance and operations.