Robertson says his goodbyes

After 33 years in education and administration and six years with the Edmonds School District, Superintendent Wayne Robertson’s last day will be June 30, but he will leave behind a lasting connection with the people of the district and community.

Assistant Superintendent Ken Limon said Robertson will be missed for many reasons, but particularly for the close ties he formed with district employees.

“He never really sets himself above anybody,” Limon said. Whether you are a school bus driver or the mayor, everyone is equally important to Robertson, Limon said. That attitude allowed him to form connections with everyone with whom he came in contact.

Limon said Robertson developed strong relationships with community leaders and government officials, which was evident at Robertson’s retirement party June 7. Former Snohomish County Executive Bob Drewel and Larry Hanson, the former publisher of the Herald, both attended.

Limon said Robertson’s close ties with community leaders benefited the district and education in general. Through Robertson, “the whole community is working to support our kids,” Limon said.

Robertson helped coordinate “Snohomish County 2010: A Blueprint for Education, Workforce and Economic Development in Snohomish County.” This organization includes school officials and business owners from around the county who work together to improve the economy.

Limon said Robertson has also been involved in United Way, the Open Door Theatre, a program that’s goal is to prevent sexual abuse and violence by teaching safety skills through live theater, and the Snohomish County Children’s Commission.

Betty Robertson, Wayne’s wife and assistant superintendent of the Snohomish School District, said Robertson puts a lot of emphasis on community involvement, and he cannot say no when people request his help.

“His community involvement has always been sort of a family joke,” Betty Robertson said. “We joke that we usually find out of his involvement in a new organization through the newspapers.”

Robertson makes a special connection with the students he meets while visiting the schools. Limon said Robertson carries special business cards with him that he sometimes hands out to students he meets. One side of the card reads, “I bet you’d make a great teacher! Good luck.” On the other side, there is a quote from teacher and Challenger space shuttle astronaut Christa McAuliffe that says, “I touch the future, I teach.” While Robertson affected the district in many ways, sometimes it is the little things that make the largest impact to students, Limon said.

Robertson said he is particularly happy with the recent passage of the Capital Levy, which will raise $44 million for updated classroom technology, earthquake safety improvements, playground and athletic field improvements and other components.

“I feel great about the condition of the district right now,” Robertson said. “The district financially is in as good a position as it’s ever been.”

Throughout Robertson’s time in Edmonds, student performance has increased, Limon said. Reading, writing and math scores have improved, and some schools, like Lynndale Elementary, have gained a statewide reputation, he said.

Robertson took his first job as superintendent of the Lakewood School District north of Marysville. This district had 2,000 students, which allowed Robertson to spend more time in the classroom, Betty Robertson said. He continued this practice at Edmonds, although a much larger district.

“He didn’t change his style,” Betty Robertson said. “He’s still very visible in the classroom.”

The Robertsons have been married for 32 years and have two children, Beth Chan, 28, and Brian Robertson, 22.

Chan spoke at her father’s retirement celebration about how much she enjoyed having her father close by when she was growing up. She said he was always a principal or working at the district since she was in kindergarten, and although he was busy, he was always close by.

“Family always came first,” Chan said.

She said Robertson’s personality at work was the same as his at home. He was always positive and supportive of decisions made by herself and Brian, she said.

Robertson said he does not have any definite plans for how he will spend his time during retirement. He said right now he is just getting comfortable with the idea of taking time off.

“I’d like to do something connected with education and community service,” he said. Considering all of his current involvement in the community, it would be difficult for him not to.