Burien, WA–The Elementary School Principals Association of Washington  named North Hill Elementary Principal Nancy Melius as the South King Region Elementary Principal of the Year for 2016. Melius just completed her ninth year as principal of North Hill Elementary. 
 
Melius was recognized as a regional distinguished principal on June 27 at the summer conference of the Association of Washington School Principals and the Washington Association of School Administrators.
 
"Congratulations on this well-deserved honor," said Highline Superintendent Susan Enfield. "Nancy is an effective leader who maintains high expectations and enables staff and students to achieve their potential. Her genuine care for our students, staff, and families is inspiring."
 
She was nominated by staff and selected by her peers as one of 24 principals recognized statewide as distinguished principals for their regions. A resident of her community for more than 30 years, Melius is beloved by staff and families for her calm demeanor and sense of humor, according to her nomination.
 
She was also applauded for capitalizing on her personal leadership characteristics to empower teachers to take charge of their professional development and to implement standards-based instruction. She guided North Hill to a 2015 School of Distinction Award for five consecutive years of outstanding improvement in reading and math. North Hill is one of only 51 elementary schools in Washington that met the Schools of Distinction performance criteria for the 2014-15 school year.
 
Melius was named a finalist for 2016 Outstanding Administrator in the Gold Star Awards presented by the Highline Schools Foundation. Previously, North Hill won a 2014 Washington Achievement Award for English Language Acquisition.