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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School Safety Guide Available

As schools review security procedures following Friday's horrific event, here are materials that were updated early this year to use as a template to enhance current school safety programs. Each of the links below will provide schools with resources to use when working with their plans. 

• School safety plan document
• Self assessment form to aid your planning
• Flip chart for specific incident response
• Flip chart for specific procedures to enact
• Threat incident report form 

The materials were created in partnership by the following organizations:

• Des Moines Police, School Resource Officers
• Heartland Area Education Agency
• Iowa Association of School Boards
• Iowa Department of Education
• Iowa Department of Public Safety – Intelligence Fusion Center
• Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• Iowa State Education Association
• School Administrators of Iowa
• State of Iowa Fire Marshal’s Office

If you have questions regarding the materials, you're enouraged to contact SAI Legal Services Director Matt Carver, who served on the committee, or Matthew Parrino from Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The Homeland Security office will also perform a safety assessment for your district. If you have interest in an assessment, you may contact Homeland Security at 515-725-3231.

Resources for Dealing with Tragedy

Our thoughts are with the Newtown, Conn., community as it mourns the loss of students and staff at Sandy Hook Elementary School. These events leave an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. The extensive media coverage can have an impact on students, and it is important for school staff and parents to have information to assist children in coping with the news. Here are a few resources:

• "Helping Children Cope With Tragedy" Report to Parents
• "Coping With Loss" Principal magazine article
• Strategies for Talking and Listening from PBS Parents
• the National Association of School Psychologists site

Thank you to the National Association of Elementary School Principals and National School Public Relations Association for providing resources.