Outgoing ESD chief receives leadership award

WENATCHEE — The outgoing chief of the North Central Educational Service District (EDS), Rich McBride, is the recipient of this year’s Leadership Award from the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA).

“I am deeply honored to receive this,” McBride told the Columbia Basin Herald.

But McBride, who steps down from his post after heading the ESD for 16 years, said he had a lot of help to win this award.

“No one wins an award by yourself,” he explained. “It takes a great board of directors, a great staff, and great educators in the region.”

According to a district press release, this is the second time McBride has received the award, which is given to “a WASA member who demonstrates and exemplifies outstanding leadership abilities and who has made significant contributions to the field of education on a statewide level.”

“Rich was nominated for this award and selected by a committee of his peers for his outstanding commitment and leadership to educators and administrators during his career,” explained WASA director Bill Keim.

For McBride, leadership means advocating for students and teachers and mentoring the next generation of leaders.

“My hope is they see the importance of trying to grow leaders across schools and regions, young folks to take their place in this,” he said.

McBride described his career as “very traditional” — teacher, coach, principal, district superintendent in both rural and suburban settings for nearly 40 years.

But he added he’s still a son of the Eastern Washington soil who grew up on a dairy and wheat farm north of Spokane. And he believes deeply in the strength, diversity, and work ethic of the people of Eastern Washington.

“I feel at home in Eastern Washington, this part of the state represents who I am,” he said.

When asked what he will be doing when he steps down as ESD superintendent today, McBride said he might do some consulting but he’s really looking forward to having more time to do “grandpa duty.”

Michelle Price, the superintendent of the Moses Lake School District, will be taking over as the new ESD chief on July 1.

Charles H. Featherstone can be reached via email at countygvt@columbiabasinherald.com.