Principal of the Year Award

This award recognizes a building leader who drives academic progress, builds strong relationships, fosters a supportive school culture, and models exceptional leadership aligned with RPS' values.

Purpose

The Principal of the Year (POY) Award celebrates the exemplary building leader who best embodies RPS’ values of teaching, leading, and serving with love. The POY is an exceptional and empathetic administrator who moves their students academically while inspiring their staff to greatness. Three finalists, including the winner, are selected by an internal committee and announced at RPS Shines.

Submit a Nomination

Eligibility

Any Building Leader (including specialty schools)

Selection Criteria

• SOL test scores should show progress during the past school year. (This data is unavailable for preschools).

• The candidate demonstrates effective leadership in and out of the school and shows relentless efforts to build strong family-community ties. This may include transforming the school’s reputation or overcoming a challenging incident.
• The school’s student absenteeism rate during the last year will be considered.

• Build collaborative relationships with colleagues, students and families to create a school culture that is respectful, inclusive and positively impacts student growth and achievement.
• Create a workplace environment that is rich with staff learning and development.
• Employee satisfaction data and possible other data will be considered.

• Demonstrates a high level of integrity and professionalism
• Pursues relationship-building with staff, students, families and the community
• Adopts high performance standards
• Serves as a role model for students and staff
• Embodies the core values of RPS-Equity, Engagement, Excellence

Nomination Process

Nominations (up to 100 words) may be submitted by peers, supervisors, students, families, or community members.
All nominees are invited to submit an application.

Application Includes

Personal Statement-written (up to 500 words) or video/multimedia presentation (4-5 min)- reflecting on your commitment to 1) move your students academically, 2) inspire your staff to greatness, 3) create a nurturing environment that includes families and the community, and 4) your effort to be an exemplary member of the RPS community. The statement should provide insight into your values, practices, and contributions.

A Letter of Recommendation from a community member (up to 300 words) which addresses how the nominee meets the criteria listed above (academic growth, leadership, environment of growth and support for staff, being a role model), including specific examples. 

Terms & Conditions

• No campaigning (campaigning = to organize a series of activities to try to achieve something) 
• No self nominating.
• Chiefs and Directors are not eligible.
• Shines is a once in a lifetime award.