Debra Johnson Howard

Debra Howard is currently the superintendent of the Spokane East Valley School District. From 2002 to 2007, Howard was the assistant superintendent for operations at the EVSD. From 1998 to 2002, Howard was Director of Support Services at EVSD from 1998 to 2002. Before that, Howard has a resume that takes her career back to 1975, when she was a Speech Pathologist.

Why are you interested in the Selah School District position?

I am interested in the position because the district has a good reputation for quality in their student performance, which is reflective of quality in their staff.  I also enjoy the area, and have a son who lives in Selah. 

How does Selah compare in size, demographics, and budget compared to Bridgeport School District?

East Valley has a population of just over 4,000 students, which has been declining for a number of years.  EVSD serves an average free and reduced population of 45 percent, with a 2.7 percent transitional bilingual population, which is increasing. 

Do you have a philosophy or an overriding principle that guides your actions as an administrator?

As a school district we have a sacred trust with the families who send their children to us, and with the public who support our schools. We need to honor both. First, by ensuring that each student is able to achieve at high levels and has the maximum choices upon graduation from our schools; and second, by keeping our resources as close to the student as possible. 

There is no room for mediocrity in today’s educational system and we must relentlessly pursue excellence for our students, their teachers, and their administrators.  The high stakes for our students, as well as the trust our communities have in their schools, demand it.

What do you see as the challenges facing the Selah School District, as well as its strengths.

I believe Selah’s strengths are its staff, its commitment to student achievement, and its community support.  The major challenges facing Selah include changing demographics in its student population, and passing a bond to ensure that students have appropriate leaning environments.

Do you have family/children?

I am married, have four grown children and four grandchildren.  I have a son in Selah, a daughter in Bellingham, and a daughter and son and their families who live in Spokane.