Lance Hansen balances a data-centered, process-based, and team-based approach with interpersonal flare.
Lewiston Independent School District No.1 proudly announces that the Idaho Association of School Administrators (IASA) has named Lance Hansen the Idaho Superintendent of the Year for 2025. This prestigious honor recognizes Hansen’s outstanding leadership and 33-year commitment to improving education, building relationships, and championing academic success.
LEADERSHIP & STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Hansen’s leadership style has earned him respect from colleagues, staff, and community members.
“Lance is the type of mentor you are lucky to have once in a lifetime. He is intuitive about understanding just the right times to question, push, support, encourage, praise, or redirect. His strong beliefs and commitment to a system that supports ALL students through a focus on learning, a collaborative culture, and results, have led our district to a place where we ARE making a difference for students and staff every day. And, he does all of this with an emphasis on ‘we,'” lauded Lisa Fenter, Director of Curriculum for the District.
“Lance Hansen does not and will not settle when it comes to doing and/or providing what is best for students in the Lewiston School District,” stated Sacajawea Middle School Assistant Principal Corey Williams.
Jennifer Gomez, Principal of Orchards Elementary, says “His reflective nature and unwavering commitment to doing what’s best for students create a supportive and focused atmosphere, making it a pleasure to work with him as he leads our district toward continuous improvement.”
It is that quest for improvement that motivates staff and sees results from students.
DATA-DRIVEN
As a former math teacher, Hansen is extremely data-driven and strives to create a structure to meet or exceed goals by focusing on teacher collaboration and adult learning. He devotes an entire office wall to district data which tracks each school’s reading and math scores. Additionally, each school hosts a data room where achievements are tracked and are easily accessible and monitored by teachers, principals, and staff. He endeavors to create a strategic approach in everything the District does.
One of his goals is to promote childhood literacy through ECRI, (Enhanced Core Reading Instruction) a program that starts at the kindergarten level. With his team of directors and community members, he has formed workgroups to create mission and vision statements and a strategic plan that outlines the goals of student well-being, academic success, managing resources, retaining employees, and partnering with families and communities.
Director of Special Services, Peggy Flerchinger acknowledged that he “is interested in the education of every student.”
One of the programs that they created this year was a near-peer preschool program at Webster Elementary.
Hansen participates in Camelot PE class “Guardians of the multiplication table Galaxy, trying to steal a multiplication card while student Hadley Robbie tries to tag him out.
TEAM-BUILDER
Kathy Vellegas, Human Resources Supervisor stated, “He truly cares about the person, and looks for the positive in each situation. He is easy to talk to, strategize with, and troubleshoot issues.” she adds that he has created a culture that is “employee friendly.”
If you’ve ever visited the Central Office you may experience everyone dressed in costume, exercising as a group for a New Year’s resolution, or simply having a good laugh. Right alongside them is Lance Hansen.
“He is always game for a team-building activity and bringing people together, whether it is bowling, various summer activities, or participating in talent shows. “It has been fun working with him for the past seven years,” laughed Delilah Glenn, Educational Support Personnel of the Year.
Hansen parades loaves of sweetbread – prizes for holiday trivia.
You will find him playing his guitar with the food service sing-a-long during the holidays, attending games, and events, and driving around the district waving at the crossing guards. At the beginning of the school year and periodically, he likes to visit all the schools and every classroom. He has the district – all 12 schools – mapped out. “I can visit all of the classrooms of every school in two days,” he said during a recent tour.
“Lance is an excellent leader who balances accountability and empathy very well in a high-profile and challenging role. When issues arise, he works from a position of what is best for students and how we can best serve our community. I appreciate the approach that he takes with student achievement as a driver for our district; seeking individual and collective academic excellence. He is extremely supportive in his development of teams and individual teachers. We are lucky to have such a caring and intelligent leader guiding our district!” Aaron DeLane, Principal of Jenifer Middle School said enthusiastically.
Hansen inspires the Lewiston School District with his infectious can-do attitude and depth of knowledge regarding laws and works throughout the state across the river and to make education better for the children of the district.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
With a deep commitment to building partnerships, Hansen has worked to foster strong relationships with educational leaders and other districts in the region. “Lance has made Lewiston a top-tier district, and his collaborative spirit extends to supporting other school districts as well,” said Thaynan Knowlton, Superintendent of Clarkston School District.
“I have had the opportunity to work with Lance for several years. I really enjoy his calm demeanor. He has the ability to handle stress or issues in a way that puts everyone else around him at ease. He is very knowledgeable about up-and-coming legal issues and is always looking at ways to improve student learning. I also respect the way he involves all members – no matter their title – in decision-making. Lance has done a great job in the Lewiston School District.” commended Dale Bonfield, Superintendent of Asotin-Anatone School District.
Cindy Carlson, Idaho State Senator said, “I have been impressed with Lance Hansen’s leadership and willingness to work with me. He is working hard for the Lewiston School District.”
Jill Bruce of LIFE Foundation adds, “Lance has been a great leader for the Lewiston School District! I admire his commitment to education and the value he places on creating and maintaining relationships with the school district and the community we live in. He represents the school district well and does an excellent job of recognizing the accomplishments of students and staff. He provides a vital link between the Lewiston Independent Foundation for Education (LIFE) and the school district.”
“Under Lance’s leadership, the district has implemented collaborative initiatives that provide students with access to internships, scholarships, and mentorship programs, preparing them for success beyond graduation. One of Lance’s most commendable accomplishments is his commitment to building and unifying relationships throughout our community. He has established and strengthened partnerships with stakeholders, families, and local businesses creating a network of support that directly benefits our students. He represents our community with the utmost professionalism and has made the Lewiston School District a place that other districts strive to emulate.” Staci Baldwin, Lewiston School Board President affirmed confidently.
Hansen, far right participates in all the fun days in the office and at schools.
Hansen is the 16th Superintendent of Lewiston Independent School District No. 1 having served, now, for four years. Before becoming superintendent, he was Lewiston’s Assistant Superintendent for eight years, Lewiston High School Principal for two years, Assistant Principal of Lewiston High School for two years, and Assistant Principal of Sacajawea Middle School for two years. He also spent four years at Moscow High School where he taught math. Hansen began his career at Emmett High School, where he spent 11 years inspiring students and cultivating a passion for learning. Hansen is a proud graduate of Challis High School and the University of Idaho where he received a Bachelor of Science with a major in Spanish and a minor in math. He holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership as well as an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership.
