Superintendent Rundle honored with WASBO 2024 Leader of Distinction Award

May 10, 2024 2:30 pm
From left to right, Matt Sullivan, Deborah Lurie, Fred Rundle and Kay Adams at the 2024 WASBO Conference. Photo courtesy of the Mercer Island School District
From left to right, Matt Sullivan, Deborah Lurie, Fred Rundle and Kay Adams at the 2024 WASBO Conference. Photo courtesy of the Mercer Island School District

Special to the Reporter

The Washington Association of School Business Officials (WASBO) presented Mercer Island School District Superintendent Dr. Fred Rundle with its 2024 Leader of Distinction Award on May 9 at its annual conference at the Tacoma Convention Center.

The award was created last year by WASBO’s 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 (Mercer Island Education Association), PTA (Parent Teacher Association), MISF (Mercer Island Schools Foundation) 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 open-minded, collaborative approach, Dr. Rundle has shown exemplary leadership in his role as superintendent of Mercer Island School District.”