The head of the Renton School District, Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel, has received a much-deserved honor, Washington’s 2011 Superintendent of the Year.

She immediately directed the credit for the award to district teachers and support staff – and students and their parents – a sure sign she understands that it takes much more than the front office to educate Renton’s children.

But on the other hand it takes a person at the top with the drive and a vision for success to lead a large organization with various constituencies to reach a common goal – help Renton’s kids succeed.

That vision is much in evidence as she has taken the lead, with local businessman Bob Bridge and other Renton heavy-hitters, to kick off a fund within the Renton Community Foundation that will put the entire community to work raising precious dollars for Renton’s schools.

The Friends of Renton Schools will continue its work into next year and beyond, under their leadership and the operational direction of fund chair Sherre Piantanida

Heuschel was quite a catch when she was hired as Renton’s school superintendent in 2006. She followed in the footsteps of such highly regarded superintendents as Dolores Gibbons and Gary Kohlwes.

Having worked in the state’s education office, Heuschel brought with her a deep understanding of the state’s testing program, until recently known as the WASL, and how to prepare students to meet local and state learning standards.

Of course, more work needs to be done, but already Renton’s schools are showing steady improvement and graduation rates are increasing. The Renton School District is far from failing.

There are many reasons to take pride in Renton’s schools. Dr. Heuschel is one of those reasons.