Petersburg’s school superintendent Rob Thomason was named superintendent of the year this week by the Alaska Council of School Administrators.
The organization’s executive director Bruce Johnson made the announcement in the Petersburg High School library Thursday afternoon before the teachers, school board and staff of the school district.
“I know as with any superintendent of the year in Alaska or anywhere else, it’s not just about the individual, it’s about the team that’s been assembled to provide that education,” Johnson said. “But, through my experience, 41 years and a lot of that in administration and district-wide positions and statewide positions, it never happens without that foremost leader of a school district, the board and the superintendent working in harmony to do the very best job that they can and I think Rob exemplifies that in every way.”
Bruce Johnson, right, executive director of the Alaska Association of School Administrators gives superintendent Rob Thomason a pin after announcing Thomason was named Superintendent of the Year Thursday.
Thomason was hired in Petersburg in 2009. He’s also worked in Nenana and for school districts in Oregon, Idaho, California, Saudi Arabia and Australia.
He told group assembled Thursday he was honored and humbled by the award. “This is a great school district,” Thomason said. “I’ve worked in several. My bride and I have worked in several. How come we weren’t here 20 years ago, I don’t know. God had a different plan. So, we are able to spend this time together. We’re gonna do great things for kids. We’re gonna cross that line all of us this year and we’re gonna get that kitchen!”
Thomason’s remark brought a round of applause from the staff and teachers gathered. He was referring to the district’s top capital project priority of a new food service area. The superintendent will be feted along with other state winners at a conference in February in Nashville.
