By Jacob Wilson/Garden Grove Journal
Some say recognition from your peers is the best kind.
Superintendent Richard Tauer is the Westminster School District Administrator of the Year for 2010-11. The award is given by the Westminster Educational Leadership Association. WELA is made up of district leaders, including principals and district staff.
“He’s had an incredible impact on Westminster since he’s been here,” said WELA President Dr. Tammy Steel. “We are very proud to recognize Mr. Richard Tauer as administrator of the year.” Steel, the principal at Sequoia Elementary, presented the award during the district Board of Trustees meeting on June 9.
Accepting the award from his assigned seat on the dais, Tauer said simply, “Thank you very much. I’m humbled.”
Tauer’s humility appeared to be a big reason for the award, which is voted on by WELA members. Board members and district staff repeatedly cited Tauer‘s willingness to listen to his staff and work closely with teachers and administrators.
“We couldn’t pick a better administrator of the year,” said assistant superintendent for educational services Linda Baxter. “He’s humble and he’s a collaborative decision maker. He tries to make the decision that is best for everyone.”
Since July of last year, Tauer has led a K-8 district of over 10,000 students. Previously, Tauer was the district’s assistant superintendent for human resources for three years.
“The value of collaboration is never understated at all,” Tauer said. “Working together is very important always. When times are tough, that’s the time to collaborate even more.”
Approaching four decades in public education, Tauer has worked as a teacher, a principal and a director of personnel for districts in Rosemead, South Pasadena, Temple City and Whittier. He has also taught education courses at the University of La Verne.
Tauer earned a masters degree from Cal State Los Angeles in 1991 and has completed graduate work at USC. Each year WELA recognizes students, teachers, classified employees and administrators.
