Contact: Lisa Shin & Chris Cargill
(206) 937-9691 & (509) 570-2384
lshin@washingtonpolicy.org &
ccargill@washingtonpolicy.org 

Dr. Shelley Redinger, the Superintendent of Spokane Public Schools, will be honored at WPC's Annual Dinner events in Eastern and Western Washington this fall

Spokane– Dr. Shelley Redinger is the leader of the only public school district in Washington state to become a charter school authorizer. She has moved resources out of district offices and back into the classroom, and she works relentlessly to bring a fresh approach to public education.

Dr. Redinger, the Superintendent of Spokane Public Schools, has been named Washington Policy Center’s 2014 ‘Champion of Freedom.’ She will receive the award before more than 2,000 citizens, business leaders and elected officials at WPC’s Annual Dinner events in both Eastern and Western Washington this fall.

“Dr. Redinger is a reform-minded educational leader,” explained WPC President Dann Mead Smith. “To the parents and children of Spokane Public Schools, she is truly a Champion of Freedom.”

A graduate of Washington State University and the University of South Carolina, Dr. Redinger joined Spokane Public Schools in 2012. Since then, she has gained recognition as a school district leader willing to try new things and think outside the box.

"It is an honor to be recognized by the Washington Policy Center with this award," said Dr. Redinger.  "Spokane Public Schools is committed to offering students and families the freedom to choose among a variety of educational options, including charter schools."

Previous local ‘Champion of Freedom’ honorees include former State Auditor Brian Sonntag, former Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn and the legislative leaders (Rep. Eric Pettigrew, Hon. Glenn Anderson, Sen. Steve Litzow, Sen. Rodney Tom) who successfully championed charter schools for our state.

Dr. Redinger will be honored at WPC’s Annual Dinner events alongside former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates in Bellevue, and former Oklahoma Congressman J.C. Watts in Spokane.

Tickets and sponsor registration for both the Eastern Washington dinner (September 23rd) and the Western Washington dinner (October 2nd) are available on the WPC website.