During his eight years as principal at Mount Vernon High School, Dave has faced many challenges unique to his school, but has served to transform the culture for students and staff to promote success.

MVHS serves a diverse student body; with nearly 50 percent of students eligible for free or reduced lunch, high transience among students and families and a sizeable Latino community, MVHS demands an agile administrator ready to deal with issues ranging from socio-economic concerns to inclusivity and language acquisition.

To adequately lead, eduate and prepare these historically underserved students has required strengthening daily practices. In recent years, the school has been involved in an in-depth school improvement process, with great success.

From 2003 to 2007, WASL scores improved dramatically. Reading went from 40.2% to 70.3%, writing went from 37.5% to 68.7%, and math went from 26.1% to 45.4%. In this time, available A.P. (Advanced Placement) classes increased from one subject to nine.

Among the significant changes has been the school governance, which has allowed MVHS to grow and dramatically improve its ability to meet the needs of all students. The new model includes students from every grade level, as well as parents, involving them in a transparent decision-making process. The primary focus is on student achievement, with the results going beyond test scores--budgets are balanced and the school has become a model for others.

MVHS's pilot program for Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), which targets underserved and underprivileged stsudents, lead to students garnering over $600,000 in scholarships--and recognition as Washington's first AVID National Demonstration Site.

Dave is described by his colleagues as "one in a million." He is student-centered, resilient, personable and has genuine pride in the school that he has helped to improve so much.