Monticello's Todd Werner Awarded 2027 SAI Middle School Principal of the Year

Todd Werner, principal of Monticello Middle School in the Monticello Community School District, has been named the 2027 Iowa Middle Level Principal of the Year by the School Administrators of Iowa (SAI).

Werner was chosen for the statewide honor by a committee of his peer administrators for his instructional leadership, dedication to students, and commitment to cultivating a positive school culture. 

SAI Executive Director Dr. Brad Buck appreciates Werner’s commitment to relationships. “Congratulations to Mr. Werner! It is clear from the comments of others and his own self-reflection that his priorities are on relationships with both staff and students and staff and student learning. Those beliefs, coupled with high expectations, have driven strong outcomes based on the internal experiences of those who know and work with him as well as externally through the Iowa School Performance Profile,” he said.

Werner has served as principal of Monticello Middle School since 2020, helping open the district's new middle school building and establishing strong schoolwide expectations. Under his guidance, the school achieved a “High Performing” rating on the 2025 Iowa School Performance Profile after earning "Commendable" marks in 2023 and 2024. During his tenure, he has introduced in-school mental health therapy, revamped special education supports, and established a student Principal Advisory Council.

Colleagues praise Werner for his active presence in hallways and classrooms, where he prioritizes direct feedback for educators and builds strong connections with students.

On behalf of the selection committee, Chair Mike Kramer shared why Werner was selected as the 2027 recipient.

“Todd has modeled collaborative leadership across many initiatives and districts through his administrative service to students and staff. Whether it be multiple data sources or multiple types of stakeholder feedback, Todd demonstrated how he values teamwork and sets an excellent example of what it means to be a highly effective and valued middle school principal,” said Kramer.

Before joining Monticello, Werner accumulated over a decade of administrative experience, serving as junior/senior high school principal in the Belle Plaine Community School District from 2013 to 2020 and at WACO Community School District from 2009 to 2013. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa, a master’s degree in education from Coe College, and a master’s degree in educational administration from UNI. 

“I am truly honored and humbled to receive the Middle School Principal of the Year award from SAI. This recognition is a reflection of the dedicated staff, awesome students, and supportive families I have the privilege of working with each day,” shared Werner. “I believe great schools are built on strong relationships, teamwork, and a collective commitment to helping every student succeed. Thank you for this honor and for validating the collaborative effort our school and community has made to support our students.”

Werner will be recognized alongside other Iowa Administrator of the Year recipients at the SAI Annual Conference in August 2027.