Mires to lead the statewide professional association for school administrators
The Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) is pleased to announce that members have elected Tabatha Mires, superintendent of the Manson School District, as WASA President-elect for 2026-27. Mires will assume the presidency in July 2026, following the term of the current president, Shaun Carey, superintendent of the Enumclaw School District.
Mires has been an active member of WASA since 2018 and has served in various association positions, including WASA Region 171 President, WASA Small School Committee Chair, and most recently as a Washington State Superintendent Representative for the National Advocacy Network (NAN).
“With over a decade of proven leadership — including her current role as superintendent of Manson School District and previous superintendent roles in Palisades and Waterville — Tabatha Mires has consistently led with courage, clarity, and compassion,” said WASA Executive Director Jeff Snell. “Every day, Tabatha demonstrates the core values of WASA: leadership, trust, and advocacy.”
Mires said, “I’m truly honored by this opportunity to serve as WASA President. Every day I am inspired by the incredible work happening in schools and districts across Washington state, and I can’t wait to help shine a light on that work,” she said. “Together, we can lift up student and staff voice, support one another as leaders, and keep working to improve upon our strong public education system that gives every child a chance to grow and thrive.”
“Tabatha will be a tremendous advocate for students across our state in her role as WASA President, and I congratulate her on the well-deserved recognition of her leadership by her colleagues,” Snell added.
As WASA president, Mires’ goals are to:
· Cultivate, support, sustain, celebrate, and work to unite education leaders while honoring and respecting the unique challenges, skills, and abilities representing communities and school districts large, medium and small, urban, suburban and rural across the state.
· Champion public education through story, student and staff voice, community outreach, advocacy and a focused message of system improvement, equity, and ample funding.
· Provide leaders with support, tools, training, connections, and knowledge for developing both the technical skills and the leadership qualities and experiences that will lead innovation, improve systems, and impact student outcomes.
Mires received her superintendent credentials from Washington State University. She holds a master’s in education from Lesley University and a bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Washington University.
Mires began working in the Waterville School District in 1995, teaching high school social studies and English, continuing to serve as principal and superintendent. In 2021, she became principal and superintendent in the Palisades School District before becoming the Manson School District superintendent in 2023.
About the Washington Association of School Administrators
The Washington Association of School Administrators (http://www.wasa-oly.org) is committed to the development of quality education through professional leadership. Members benefit from a supportive community of professional leaders working to provide insightful and valuable training, support, and resources to education leaders and to sustain a positive impact on legislative and community leaders. With more than 1,600 members, membership is open to education administrators in a central office, building management, and educational agency positions. A not-for-profit organization, WASA is funded by membership dues and association events.
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