On his first return visit to district headquarters since he retired in June 2005, former Highline School District superintendent Joe McGeehan received a lifetime achievement award.

McGeehan is the second person to earn the award from the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence. Former superintendent Carl Jensen was the first. The foundation is a private group that raises funds to aid Highline schools, students and programs.

Tom Russell, a founding foundation trustee, said McGeehan made the tough decisions, especially when levies failed.

Although, McGeehan trimmed expenses, he never cut the district's educational excellence, Russell added.

McGeehan hired the best people and then let them to do their job, according to Russell. He cited current superintendent John Welch, assistant superintendent Geri Fain and Aviation High principal Reba Gilman as examples.

Hiring excellent staff was important because Highline is "very unique" in offering facilities such as the Puget Sound Skills Center, the Marine Science Center and Camp Waskowitz that serve students outside the district, Russell noted.

Russell also praised McGeehan for meeting monthly with a group of business people who often criticized the district.

"He took the better ideas from those meetings and implemented them," Russell concluded.

McGeehan responded that he "has a deep affection for the community.

"I always miss you," McGeehan declared. "I am truly blessed to have been superintendent here."

He said he enjoyed working with district staff, students and "a remarkable school board that did whatever it took to make a greater and better school district."

He said no single person can do it all or take credit for everything.

"Highline continues to thrive, built on leadership and love," McGeehan added. "I will continue to be your cheerleader."