Lori Wyborney Wins 2015 High School Principal of the Year

Lori Wyborney Named Washington State 2015 High School Principal of the Year

Spokane Public Schools Principal creates a college-going culture and soars graduation rates

OLYMPIA—John R. Rogers High School Principal Lori Wyborney was named this year’s Washington State High School Principal of the Year by a panel of principals representing the Washington Association of Secondary School Principals (WASSP), a component of the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP). Wyborney was surprised by the honor during a staff meeting on Thursday, April 2.

Wyborney’s instructional leadership has created a college-going culture at Rogers High School. Under her leadership, the graduation rate has increased from 60.4 percent prior to her arrival to 81.6 percent in 2014. Aside from improving graduation rates and increasing the number of graduates with a college-ready transcript, Wyborney has created and implemented a schoolwide literacy program for all content areas with the intent of increasing literacy for all students.

“Modeling the importance of being a life-long learner, Ms. Wyborney continually seeks out opportunities to grow and improve her own knowledge and skills in an effort to best serve and lead the Rogers community,” said Superintendent Shelley K. Redinger, Ph.D.

Scott Seaman, Director of High School Programs and Professional Development Specialist at AWSP, said, “Lori surfaced to the top from other candidates based on the longevity and perseverance in her building, challenging demographics, public recognition and praise, and innovative approaches to helping improve their graduation rates.”

Superintendent Redinger added, “She has been a tremendous motivator, affecting not just Rogers High School but all of Spokane Public Schools. I look forward to seeing the impact Ms. Wyborney will continue to have on the lives of students in the years to come. “

Wyborney started at Rogers High School in 2008 as the assistant principal before taking over the principalship in 2010. Her administrative career started at Wahluke High School as Vice Principal in 2005. She graduated in 1986 from Eastern Washington Universty with a Bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in education. Wyborney earned her Master’s degree in history, also from Eastern Washington University, in 1995.

National Distinguished Principal of the Year Program
Wyborney will travel to Washington, D. C. later this year to be recognized for her accomplishment. The program, sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, annually recognizes outstanding middle level and high school principals. For more information, visit www.nassp.org.

###

Download the press release as a PDF or watch Lori's video from Spokane Public Schools.