10/02/2026
Congratulations to our Leadership in Educational Excellence Award Winner, Steve Ruhland! Steve was nominated and selected as the winner by his esteemed colleagues:
Steve is deeply passionate about his work with students and consistently goes above and beyond for the students, families, teachers, and paraprofessionals he works with each day. He is a tireless advocate for his students, always striving to do what is best for them while helping them grow, improve their behavior, take ownership of their choices, and understand the importance of accountability.
Steve is also committed to his own professional growth and self-improvement. He models the same growth mindset that he encourages in his students, continually reflecting on his work and looking for ways to become more effective. His dedication does not stop with his students. He is willing to have honest and sometimes difficult conversations with families, approaching each interaction with respect, compassion, and a genuine desire to build strong relationships grounded in trust.
Much of Steve’s impact happens behind the scenes. He is often the person who says, “Just figure it out!”—and then does exactly that. He finds solutions, makes things work, and does whatever is necessary to support his students and the people around them.
I have personally witnessed the tireless effort, care, and commitment Steve puts into being a positive role model for his students and families. His dedication to students, commitment to continuous growth, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him an outstanding candidate for this award. Steve truly embodies the spirit of the LEEA Award, and he would make our school incredibly proud as this year’s recipient.
