The Idaho School Superintendents Association Board named Lewiston Superintendent, Dr. Robert Donaldson, Idaho’s superintendent of the year for 2018.
Donaldson received news of the award while at a conference this summer.
“I’m very flattered. There were several very deserving nominees, in my opinion,” said Donaldson.
Donaldson was born just outside of Pittsburgh before going to college at Pennsylvania State University and then Univeristy of Kentucky. He went on to earn his doctorate in Education Administration at University of Idaho.
Donaldson accepted his first position in Lewiston at Jenifer Junior High as the assistant principal. He went on to spend six years as principal at LHS. He is now in his fifth year as superintendent of the district.
“Being the principal of LHS was my favorite job,” Donaldson said, reflecting on his career. “Not that I don’t like being the superintendent, I just have some of the most special memories from graduation, and getting really close with seniors during that time.”
Donaldson’s nomination will go to the national level in December. He will attend a convention and award ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee, in February, and he will participate in a local award ceremony in August 2018.
“I think he is a very worthy recipient,” said LHS guidance counselor, Neil Williams. “He worked very hard to get the new high school bond passed.”
Donaldson made the new high school a top priority of his the previous school year, interacting with the community on several levels including the famous Bagels with Bob meetings, as previously reported in the Bengals Purr.
“I hope we can continue to make our district even better, that Lewiston School District will be considered the best district in the state, and everyone will want to send their kids here.”
As for the future, Donaldson plans on continuing to enjoy his job as superintendent.
“I’ll hang around as long as the board of directors will have me,” he said.