Heidi Sipe, superintendent of the Umatilla School District, was honored as the 2017 Doug Flatt Memorial Leadership Award winner at the InterMountain Education Service District’s 18th annual Crystal Apple “Excellence in Education” Awards at the Pendleton Red Lion Hotel.
Mid Columbia representatives Cindy Nicholson, regional director of operations, and Guy Shanks, region vice president, presented the award along with Dr. Mark Mulvihill, IMESD superintendent.
Mulvihill said Sipe has dedicated her entire career to students and always puts kids first.
“What makes Heidi unique as a superintendent is she chose to stay in one community, serving a student population of great need,” he said. “She has invested not only in the schools, but also the community. She is highly respected and well liked by her peers and considered a vital member of our regional superintendent team.”
The Doug Flatt Memorial Leadership Award is named for the late Doug Flatt, who was the chief executive officer of Mid Columbia Bus Company (MIDCO). Flatt lost his life in a tragic plane crash while on business. In guiding the growth and operation of MIDCO, Flatt exemplified the finest qualities of leadership, attention to detail, service to his community, interpersonal relationships and customer service. The purpose of this award is to recognize a school administrator from a Mid Columbia Bus Company school district who exemplifies the same qualities for which Flatt was legendary. The award is sponsored by the IMESD and Mid Columbia Bus Company.
Each year, only one administrator in all of Umatilla, Morrow and Union counties receives the Doug Flatt Memorial Leadership Award.
Sipe has been the Superintendent for Umatilla schools since 2007, with a stint as the Assistant Superintendent of the Oregon Department of Education for six months in 2012-13. She was named the 2015 Oregon Superintendent of the Year and is a mentor for the award-winning Umatilla robotics team.
