Brian McNeill of Knoxville Selected as Middle Level Principal of the Year

SAI announced that Brian McNeill, principal of Knoxville Middle School, is the 2013 Iowa Middle Level Principal of the Year. 

Dan Smith, SAI executive director, remarked, “Brian McNeill models school leadership. He has focused teacher professional learning on developing instructional skills to meet the needs of all students. He has made sure that all students have opportunities to advance their learning—from those who may be struggling with reading or math, to those who excel in the classroom. Additionally he strives to build a positive culture with students and staff in the building.”

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Trent Grundmeyer of Indianola is Iowa Secondary Principal of the Year

Trent Grundmeyer, principal of Indianola High School, has been named the 2013 Iowa Secondary Principal of the Year by School Administrators of Iowa.

“Indianola High School and the community have benefited from Dr. Grundmeyer’s leadership,” said SAI Executive Director Dan Smith. “His efforts to realign the school’s curriculum to match the Iowa Core academic expectations for students, decrease the dropout rate, develop methods to evaluate instructional practices district-wide, update service-learning programming and provide college-level vocational programs are just a few of the noteworthy contributions he has made,” Smith expressed. 

“I truly believe in a collaborative approach to meeting the needs of students. Students deserve the best experience in school they can possibly have to be college and career ready. Only by pooling the collective knowledge and skills of professionals who serve them can the needs of all students be met,” Grundmeyer shared.

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Elementary Principal of the Year Recognition Awarded to Lucas DeWitt of Spencer

Lucas DeWitt, principal of Fairview, Johnson and Lincoln Elementary Schools in the Spencer Community School District, has been named the 2013 Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year by the School Administrators of Iowa. 

“SAI is pleased to recognize Lucas DeWitt for his outstanding educational leadership,” said Dan Smith, the association’s executive director. “Mr. DeWitt displays an abundance of energy and passion in working with students. He relies on a strong moral code to serve as a role model and as a basis to make decisions every day," Smith added. 

"It is a blessing and privilege to work with the families, students and staff in Spencer each and every day. The teachers' passion to help each student fulfill his or her potential is inspiring, and it is an honor to be associated with such great people that are part of the Spencer Community Schools,” DeWitt expressed. 

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School Administrators Advocate for Education at the Capitol

Superintendents and principals from around the state met March 14 with legislators to discuss education priorities and review the impact of proposed bills on districts. Read about current legislation on the legislative news page, and access SAI's legislative platform online.

Linda Carroll is Central Office Administrator of the Year

School Administrators of Iowa has announced Linda Carroll, director of teaching and learning with the Woodward-Granger Community School District, is the recipient of the 2013 Iowa Central Office Administrator of the Year award.

“It is a privilege to be recognized as Iowa’s 2013 Central Office Administrator of the Year! Our district has made tremendous strides over the last several years. I have been fortunate to work with colleagues who truly embrace the district’s mission which says, ‘Woodward-Granger will build futures one student at a time through a supportive culture of high expectations.’ Passionate educators in all capacities desire to make a significant contribution while inspiring, encouraging and educating students. I am proud to be associated with this intentional and committed group of professionals.” Carroll exclaimed.

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