Editor’s note: Lance Hansen assumes this position July 1. 

Number of employees you will oversee: 2,500 

Lance Hansen

Brief background about your career. I have been in education for 33 years – 15 as a teacher, four as an assistant principal, two as a principal, eight as an assistant superintendent and four as a superintendent. 

What drew you to the Kennewick School District and our community? 

I’ve heard so much about the commitment of the Kennewick community to education, and when I learned more about the district’s vision and the emphasis on student success, I knew it was a place where I could make a meaningful impact. The community’s strong connection to its schools, combined with the district’s forward-thinking approach to education, really resonated with me. I’m excited to be a part of a place that values growth and collaboration. 

What are your top priorities for your first year? 

My top priorities will be getting to know the students, staff and families in the district, understanding the unique challenges we face and ensuring that we have a clear vision for supporting student success. I’ll also focus on creating open lines of communication, both within our schools and with the wider community, to ensure that everyone feels heard and valued. 

Many communities are divided on how schools should handle social and political issues. How will you navigate that landscape here?

Schools are a part of the community. As such the core values and expectations of the community need to embedded in the schools’ cultures and climates. Navigating different issues involves finding a common lens in which all can see the topic from the same perspective. This means listening to understand and valuing differing perspectives.  

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing K-12 schools today? 

I believe the greatest challenge is meeting the needs of all students with the resources that are available. 

If you could bring any celebrity or historical figure to speak at a school assembly, who would you pick and why? 

I would like Abraham Lincoln to speak to our youth. He saw a country that had no future with division, and he was a great orator.  

What was your favorite subject in elementary school? Favorite class in high school?

I liked all subjects in elementary school and math was my favorite subject in high school with Spanish finishing a close second. 

What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess? 

Every leader must possess the ability to discern. 

What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time? 

I will tell the person to be a better listener than talker. Be patient with yourself. Leadership is a learning process, and it’s OK not to have all the answers immediately. Surround yourself with a supportive team, listen actively and lead with integrity. The more you invest in understanding your people and the challenges they face, the more effective you’ll be. 

Who are your role models or mentors and why? 

My father was a role model for me. He would always help anyone who was in need and his word was his bond. I have had many mentors throughout my career. Former teachers and coaches come to mind. The best mentors are those who instill a belief in you that you may not see for yourself. 

How do you keep your employees motivated? 

I celebrate success and connect knowledge, skill and disposition to desired results. I believe in recognizing and celebrating small wins along the way. Motivation comes from feeling valued and seen, so I make an effort to give regular, specific feedback and create an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute. I also encourage continuous professional development to keep our team excited about growing and learning together.  

How did you decide to pursue the career that you are working in today? 

My initial degree pursuit was in business operation management. I later changed to education because I wanted to be a coach. However, after I started my career as teacher and coach, I began to realize the impact that I could have on others. Moving from the classroom to administration allowed me to have an even greater impact. 

How do you measure success in your workplace? 

Success in our workplace is measured by the growth and well-being of our students. Are they gaining the knowledge, skills and dispositions they need to succeed in life? Are they excited to come to school every day? Success also includes fostering a positive, collaborative environment where our staff feels supported and valued. 

What do you consider your leadership style to be? 

My leadership style is collaborative and servant-oriented. I want to ensure that those who are closest to the students have the support and resources needed to enable student learning to be at high levels. I believe in leading by example and maintaining a strong sense of integrity in everything I do.  

Tell us about your family, and how you balance work and family life. 

My wife and I have five children and six grandchildren. My family has always been supportive of my career, and we find time to make sure that each are valued. 

What do you like to do when you are not at work? 

I like to play golf and basketball. I also enjoy music. I mostly enjoy getting updates on the lives of my family. 

What’s your best time management strategy? 

Calendar everything. 

What’s your favorite book? 

I read anything by John Grisham. 

Do you have a personal mantra, phrase or quote you like to use? 

I believe that the golden rule is a personal mantra that I use often.