Clinton Associate Principal Awarded SAI’s 2027 Assistant Secondary Principal of the Year

Jamie Schroeder-Ries, associate principal at Clinton High School, has been named the 2027 Iowa Assistant Secondary Principal of the Year by the School Administrators of Iowa.

Schroeder-Ries, who has served as associate principal at Clinton High School for 10 years, was selected for her dedicated leadership, student-centered approach, and significant work in expanding inclusive educational practices.

“I'm honored by this recognition and grateful for the opportunity to make such a meaningful impact on students. I am fortunate to work alongside a highly dedicated team of educators at Clinton High School who care deeply about our students and school community and they show up every day to do the hard work. I am proud to share this recognition with my colleagues and the Clinton community that continues to support our students and schools," said Schroeder-Ries.

During her decade in the administrative role, Schroeder-Ries has led initiatives that directly improved student outcomes and inclusive classroom practices. Under her leadership, Clinton High School increased its Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) rate—measuring students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in general education settings for at least 80% of the day—from 54% to 73%. Over the same period, the high school's four-year special education graduation rate rose from 55% to 70%.

Schroeder-Ries serves as the high school special education coordinator, managing 164 IEPs  across 19 special education teachers and provides oversight for 62 504s in the building. She also assisted in establishing the Education Advancement Center (EAC), Clinton High School’s alternative learning program, designing entry plans and protocols that increased student attendance and reduced behavior referrals.

Chris Krueger, SAI’s 2026 recipient of this award and selection committee chair, shared his thoughts on the decision. “Our committee was incredibly impressed with the outstanding candidates for this year’s award. Jamie Schroeder-Ries stood out for her genuine passion for students, her commitment to building meaningful relationships, and her dedication to ensuring every student has an opportunity to succeed,” he said. “Her leadership in special education, alternative learning, and improving student outcomes demonstrates the lasting impact she has made at Clinton High School. Jamie truly represents what student-centered leadership is all about. On behalf of the selection committee, congratulations to Jamie on this well-deserved recognition as the 2027 Iowa Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year.”

Nominators and colleagues commended Schroeder-Ries’ ability to strengthen special education procedures while maintaining compliance and building system-wide trust. Her focus remains on equipping teachers with instructional strategies to support all learners and creating a strong sense of belonging for students.

SAI Executive Director Dr. Brad Buck applauded the committee’s selection. “One of the things I most appreciated about Jamie was a quote that really stood out to me in the documents she provided as a part of the process. Essentially it was this mindset of getting up each day and asking ‘Where can I serve?’ to best meet the needs of the students, staff, and families of Clinton High School. Clearly that heart of service comes through in what she does each day in her words and actions. Congratulations!,” he said.

Prior to her current role, Schroeder-Ries served as Clinton High School’s at-risk coordinator. She began her career in education as an English teacher at Durant High School and a paraprofessional at Bettendorf Middle School.

Schroeder-Ries earned a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in educational leadership from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa.

SAI will honor Iowa’s Administrator of the Year award recipients at its annual conference in August 2027.