Dr. Gene Sharratt is retiring from his position as Executive Director for the Association of Educational Service Districts and OSPI Professional Learning Network at the end of June, after serving for three years.
Rainer Houser, 2018-19 AESD President, said, “Gene has been an inspiration, an organizer, and a highly effective spokesman for our AESD. He truly has ‘moved the needle’ in accomplishing goals set by the superintendents and Executive Board of AESD.”
Gene was honored at the 2019 AESD Conference with the AESD President’s Award, and has received numerous awards for his work in education (locally and statewide) and the communities he has served.
ESD Superintendents pictured at Gene Sharratt’s farewell in Chelan are (l-r): Front row: Dr. Michelle Price, NCESD, Dr. Gene Sharratt , AESD Network. Back row (l-r): Dr. Dana Anderson, Capital Region ESD 113; Dr. Mike Dunn, NEWESD 101; Kevin Chase, ESD 105; Larry Francois, NWESD 189; Tim Merlino, ESD 112; Greg Lynch, OESD 114; and Darcy Weisner, ESD 123.
Dr. Dana Anderson, ESD Superintendent President, said, “These past three years Gene has truly taken the AESD to the next level. Gene led the revision to our strategic plan, which is now a living document that guides our shared work. Through partnerships at the state and regional levels, Gene has helped us secure funding for initiatives as diverse as climate science and career connected learning. Gene articulated a vision for the AESD as a force for change within the state. As Gene says, ‘AESD is not a brick and mortar storefront’. Our presence and influence is virtual, through our website, and relational, through our network. I am thankful to Gene for his leadership and mentorship of our group. His years of service have positioned us to take the next step on the road ahead. On behalf of the AESD superintendents, ‘Thank you Gene’.”
Prior to this position, Dr. Sharratt served for three years on Governor Inslee’s Cabinet as Executive Director of the Washington Student Achievement Council. The Council is the lead state agency bringing together all sectors of the state’s education system, early learning through higher education, to improve access, attainment, and outcomes for all Washingtonians.
Before joining the Governor’s Cabinet, Dr. Sharratt spent ten years as a clinical associate college professor for Washington State University. He served 30 years as a K-12 teacher, principal, school superintendent, and ESD superintendent in international and public schools. This experience was in Washington, Alaska and Norway. He was superintendent of North Central ESD for ten years.
During his career, Gene was recognized with the Outstanding Teacher. Washington State Superintendent of the Year and the National Administrator of the Year awards. He is the author of Keeping on your Feet, an inspirational book of how to overcome challenges in a positive and meaningful manner.
