There are many qualities that make a successful educational leader. But for Mary Sakuma, ACSA’s 2010 Superintendent/Principal of the Year, none is more important than the ability to develop positive relationships with others.

“I know that in order to be successful we have to have positive working relationships,” she said. “We have to prove we’re trustworthy, honest and care about people. Sometimes we disagree, but we still have good relationships.”

Sakuma, former superintendent/principal in Junction ESD, said one of the most rewarding aspects of working in a small district is that it allows for more interaction with students.

“It was always wonderful to have the opportunity to observe in classrooms, talk with students, and interact on a daily basis with our teachers and staff,” she said. “I had the benefit of being the site administrator (of two schools) as well as the superintendent, so when I had to make a quick decision, I was able to do so without the ‘layers’ that one would have at a larger district.”

Now superintendent of Durham USD, Sakuma said she had her hands full when she came to Junction in 2006. The district had the highest declining enrollment in the county, which had a huge fiscal impact on day-to-day operations.

“That was my first and biggest issue,” she said. “It was a good district but we had to provide support to our students, and increase student achievement.”

Sakuma said she couldn’t have done it without her colleagues and the educational community at large: students, parents, teachers, staff, community members and the board.

“All of these things happened because I had a winning team. It doesn’t happen because of one person,” she said.

Sakuma also credits her colleagues for providing her with the support and direction she needed. Through ACSA, she had a network of informal coaching and mentoring at her fingertips.

“A lot of people told me if I needed anything to just pick up the phone,” she said, adding that no amount of classroom education could prepare her for the real-life challenges she faced. “When you’re in the position, matters come up that you don’t expect. Sometimes the issue can be complex and you need someone who’s not involved to provide an outsider’s view.”

An ACSA member for 10 years, the importance of mentoring was a message conveyed to her by her ACSA colleagues early on. She, in turn, went on to mentor several of her teachers.

“We have a lot to offer and we play an important role in the process,” she said. “The times I’ve been told by teachers and staff that they were glad I was there makes it gratifying. They could sense I was there for them. I wanted to be a support and a resource.”

Because she experienced first-hand the benefits ACSA provides, she wanted to give back. She served as charter president, Region 1 board member and current chair of the state Small School Districts Committee.

“I had great role models. They’ve shown me what a great leader looks like. It’s a learning process,” she said.

As a female administrator, Sakuma said it was sometimes a challenge to prove herself, especially when she started out as a new principal. People often wondered whether she was really able to do the job, and whether she was tough enough.

Unlike many other educators, Sakuma did not initially set out to pursue a career in education. She actually worked in sales, but after volunteering in her local school she realized she had a calling.

“I wanted to work in a field where I made a difference,” she said.

She soon found out she had entered a field in which she excelled, and quickly moved up the job ladder, first as an elementary teacher and principal before becoming superintendent/principal.

“It came a lot faster than I had planned,” she said. “I was good at working with people and supporting the work that teachers do. It was a way I could have a larger impact.”

Sakuma describes herself as a collaborative leader, and respects her staff, even when their opinions may differ from hers.

“The key is to know people, to understand their point of view. It’s about being respectful. We can’t demand respect until we show it…It isn’t about being the expert on every topic. It’s about being forthright and being someone others can trust,” she said. “When I make a tough decision they at least know I made the decision because I truly believe it’s the best. I don’t make decisions lightly.”

Having grown up in Switzerland, the youngest of nine children in a bilingual household, Sakuma understands the challenges faced by students and families who are new to this country.

“I understand the challenges families face whose language is not English. It can really have an impact on success,” she said.

Sakuma also greatly values the role schools play in the community they serve. She made it a point to meet community members and forge relationships with community groups and business.

“Their success is ours as well,” she said. “We need to find ways to give back. We’re part of the greater community. We have to communicate in a way people understand. We have to be clear and consistent. We have to be as transparent as we can be in all of our dealings.”

Sakuma said she is honored to have received such an award, but added that she couldn’t have made it on her own.

“It’s humbling. A lot of wonderful people have been a part of my career. I owe them a debt of gratitude. I am honored to be recognized by my peers in ACSA,” she said.