District Administration Leadership Institute today announced the winners of its prestigious National Awards Program, recognizing outstanding districts, leaders, and women in education across six key categories.
Dr. Alex Marrero, Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, was named the District Administration National Superintendent of the Year.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be named District Administration’s 2024 Superintendent of the Year!” said Dr. Marrero. “Serving as DPS Superintendent has been an inspiring journey. Collaborating daily with our dedicated educators to ensure every learner in this district thrives fills me with overwhelming pride. Thank you to #TeamDPS for your help in achieving this extraordinary recognition for our district.”
Amy Dujon, Vice President of District Administration Leadership Institute, offered high praise for Dr. Marrero:
“Driven by an unwavering commitment to student success, his transformative leadership, resilience, and innovative vision have set a new standard for educational excellence. In the face of challenges and crises, Dr. Marrero’s dedication to fostering a safe, inclusive learning environment while pioneering initiatives such as the groundbreaking Glenbrook Greenhouse, nationally recognized Sustainability Plan, and Community Hubs represents the qualities that make him an exemplary leader. His principled decision-making, coupled with a passion for positive change, has not only elevated Denver Public Schools but serves as an inspiration for educational leaders nationwide.”
Districts of Distinction: Inspiring Replicable Success Stories
At the heart of Districts of Distinction is the belief that remarkable, homegrown programs can inspire and be replicated by educators nationwide. We are searching for pioneering initiatives that have made a significant impact on student achievement, engagement and overall educational excellence. By sharing these successful models, we empower educators to build similar programs in their districts, fostering positive change in education across the country. The 2024 winners are:
- Academic Acceleration: Fulton Public Schools, AR
- Student and Adult Wellness: Poway Unified School District, CA
- College and Career Pathways: Laurens County School District 55, SC
- Recruitment and Retention: Warsaw Community Schools, IN
- Equity and Inclusion: Spokane Public Schools, WA
- Technology: Tiverton Public Schools, RI
Leaders of Distinction: Honoring Visionaries in Education
Leaders of Distinction provides an exceptional platform to recognize individual leaders who have demonstrated exceptional vision, executed innovative strategies and achieved remarkable results. The awards in this category honor extraordinary superintendents, cabinet leaders, technology leaders and principals who have spearheaded transformative initiatives, paving the way for progress within their districts. The 2024 winners are:
- Dr. Jose Dotres, Miami Dade Public Schools, FL
- Dr. Matthew Frederickson, Bowling Green R-1 School District, MO
- Alex Haltom, Hemlock Public Schools, MI
- Beverly Miller, Greeneville City Schools, TN
- Dr. Barbara Mullen, Rush-Henrietta Public Schools, NY
- Dr. Patrick Wnek, Northeast Florida Educational Consortium
Women of Distinction: Recognizing Leadership Excellence
These awards recognize women who have exhibited exceptional leadership skills in the education field, inspiring and empowering others to achieve their full potential, resulting in improved student outcomes, increased graduation rates or enhanced educational opportunities. The 2024 winners are:
- Maura Horgan, Newark City Schools, NJ
- Dr. Kelly May-Vollmar, Desert Sands Unified School District, CA
- Atiya Perkins, Linden Public Schools, NJ
- Dr. Jeanne Siegenthaler, Richmond School District, WI
- Dr. Cherie Washington, Fort Worth Independent School District, TX
About District Administration Leadership Institute:
The District Administration Leadership Institute stands as the foremost national pre-K12 organization dedicated to empowering district leaders through a comprehensive suite of services. With a commitment to excellence, we offer expert advice, thought-provoking convenings and practical resources that cater specifically to the dynamic needs of educational leaders. At the heart of our mission is the provision of cutting-edge leadership development opportunities tailored for superintendents and senior staff. We foster an environment that inspires innovation and cultivates leadership excellence within the PreK-12 education sector. The DA Leadership Institute is steadfast in its pursuit of advancing educational leadership, ensuring that our nation’s schools are equipped with the visionary guidance needed to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
Press Contact:
Amy Dujon, Vice President, District Administration Leadership Institute
[email protected]
