Sometimes we get lucky and choose a career that is perfectly suited for our talents and heart. Peter G. Schmidt Elementary Principal Kim Doughty chose education, and it was definitely the right choice! Her decades of service were recently recognized by the Association of Washington School Principals, who awarded her the 2026 Washington State Elementary Principal of the Year.
“Kim is the heart of Peter G. Schmidt Elementary,” said Tumwater School District Superintendent Kevin Bogatin. “Her passion for students, her tireless support for staff, and her ability to make every child feel seen and valued are what make her an exceptional leader. We are so proud to see her recognized at the state level.”
From Teacher to Peter G. Schmidt Elementary School Principal
Kim loves to teach. “I was drawn to teaching because I believe deeply in the power of connection and the difference one caring adult can make,” she says. “I wanted to be that person who not only taught academics, but also believed in every child’s potential and helped them discover their own strengths.”
She spent 18 years as a teacher before heading into school leadership. She had several different positions during that time, including a resource teacher in primary and intermediate grades; a middle school technology teacher; and many years in upper elementary. “Each grade brought new joy, from watching beginning readers light up as they cracked the code of words to seeing fifth graders step into leadership roles before moving on to middle school,” Kim shares.
“Those years were foundational,” she adds. “They shaped who I am as a leader and reminded me daily that every child deserves to be seen, known, and supported.”
Kim decided to step into a leadership role because she wanted to widen her impact. “As a teacher, I could influence one classroom at a time,” she says. “As a principal, I can serve an entire school community – students, staff, and families – ensuring that every decision centers around belonging, equity and student success.”
Her first leadership position was dean of students at Washington Middle School. She was also an assistant principal at Centennial Elementary and then at Hansen Elementary, before her current principal role.
Her position at Peter G. Schmidt Elementary School is dear to her heart – she attended the school as a sixth grader. “This is my ninth year serving as principal here,” she says. “Each year has brought new opportunities to learn, grow, and celebrate the incredible students and staff who make our school such a special place.”
Supporting Academic Excellence and Care at Peter G. Schmidt Elementary School
Kim was selected for the Principal of the Year award because: “Under Doughty’s leadership, Peter G. Schmidt Elementary has built a strong sense of community centered on belonging, academic excellence, and care for every student. Colleagues describe her as a servant leader who leads with kindness, consistency, and vision – qualities that inspire both students and adults alike.”
In the past nine years, Kim has focused on helping her entire staff know every student, staff member and family by name, strength and need, she says. “We’ve built a strong Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) to meet academic and behavioral needs, created a student leadership council to amplify student voice, and implemented culture themes for the year like the ‘Human Lighthouse Effect,’ which centered on being a light of hope for one another.”
The school has also established partnerships with families and community organizations to boost support for those in need. One example is their Sailing Into Summer event that boosts literacy with books and community resources. Another is the Eagle Pantry, which helps with essentials for students in need.
“Every day, I get to work alongside passionate educators and see students discover their strengths, persevere through challenges, and grow into kind, confident learners,” Kim says when asked what she loves about her job. “I love being part of those ‘aha’ moments and helping staff feel supported to do their best work.”
Kim was surprised with the award at a school-wide assembly. “[I was] completely surprised and humbled!” she says. “I was actually speechless when I was presented the award. It still doesn’t feel real. The honor reflects the work of an entire community – our staff, students, and families who embody what it means to lead with hope and heart.
“I’m deeply grateful to my staff, our families, the Tumwater community, and my Association of Washington School Principals colleagues who continue to inspire and challenge me. Leadership is never a solo act – it’s a shared journey. And as we like to say at Peter G. Schmidt. ‘Wings Up!’ We’re always soaring to new heights together.”
