Dave Halford, assistant principal at Auburn Riverside High School, was named the Washington Association for Skilled and Technical Sciences Career and Technical Education Administrator of the Year during the WASTS annual state conference in Renton.

Halford was nominated by his supervisor, peers and the Auburn School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. Halford advocates for the CTE program, ensuring all content areas have the equipment, staff and support they need to provide students high levels of learning.

“Supporting the staff and what they need for their programs, whether it is proper equipment or specialized training, is how students are able to learn properly and earn industry-level certifications,” Halford said.

Halford also is responsible for student scheduling in the building. He meets with CTE instructors individually and discusses their scheduling needs in order to ensure FTE requirements are met.

Halford believes CTE programs provide niche learning for some students who may otherwise struggle in school. Halford knows firsthand the struggles of high school academics. In high school he enrolled in automotive technology, woodshop and Viscom and attributes his decision to stay in school because of these learning opportunities.

Halford gained a variety of skills that allowed him opportunities to work in construction to help pay for his college education and to rebuild a number of classic cars. Halford continued his education after high school, earning college degrees and teacher certifications.

In 2001, Halford was hired as an assistant principal at Auburn Riverside High School and began overseeing the school’s CTE program among other assigned duties. He participates on 14 building CTE Advisory Committees to collaborate with local industry leaders on how to improve learning for all students, and he routinely drops into CTE classes to witness students working with new technologies, equipment and more.

“Mr. Halford’s advocacy for funds, equipment, staffing and support is unparalleled,” said Bruce Phillips, principal at Auburn Riverside. “He is Auburn’s go-to guy when it comes to understanding the rules and resources of CTE.”