Virginia Department of Education

04/23/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/23/2026 08:56

VDOE Announces the 2025-2026 Virginia Principals of Distinction

For Immediate Release: April 23, 2026Contact: [email protected]

RICHMOND, Va - The Virginia Department of Education announced today the recipients of the 2025-2026 Virginia Principals of Distinction, the first-year completion of a recognition and professional development program. This program is made in partnership with the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals, the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals, the Virginia Board of Education, and the Department.

"This year's Principals of Distinction are delivering on what high expectations and excellence looks like for every student," said Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jenna Conway. "Through this program, and through their commitment to continuous improvement to meet the needs outlined in Virginia's School Performance and Support Framework, these individuals are leading the way to provide high quality education and supports for every student."

To be eligible for the Principal of Distinction, Level II endorsement in Administration and Supervision PreK-12, a building-level administrator must have at least five years of experience as a building-level administrator in a public or accredited nonpublic school and have completed a formal induction program as a principal or assistant principal-as outlined by the Virginia Board of Education under the Virginia Administrative Code 8VAC20-23-620(F).

"This class of Principals of Distinction is truly inspiring," said Virginia Board of Education President, Mashea Ashton. "With innovative leadership represented in improving instructional outcomes and building strong culture, it is clear that Virginia has great schools."

Chosen by the Virginia Principals of Distinction Selection Committee, the selected candidates demonstrated strong leadership in student achievement, instructional practices, and school culture. The candidates participated in a professional training symposium and completed a capstone project over six months.

"This program reflects a meaningful commitment by the Virginia Board of Education to elevate and celebrate outstanding school leadership across the Commonwealth" said VAESP Executive Director, Dr. Krista Arnold. "VAESP applauds these leaders for their dedication and is excited about the opportunities this program provides for professional growth, collaboration, and continued advancement of effective school leadership throughout Virginia."

Selection priority was given to candidates who demonstrated strong leadership in improving student achievement, providing effective instructional leadership and cultivating a school environment that reduces non-academic barriers. Emphasis was placed on evidence of impact on student outcomes.

"The inaugural Principals of Distinction recognition marks an important milestone in elevating and celebrating exceptional school leadership," said VASSP Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Randy Barrack. "The Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals is proud to have supported an initiative that highlights the profound impact principals have on student success, school culture, and community engagement."

Below is the list of this year's class of the Principals of Distinction:

Name School Division

Megan Arthur

Central Office

Montgomery County Public Schools

Christopher Benson

Hidden Valley Middle School

Roanoke County Public Schools

Kristin Bolam

Yorktown Elementary School

York County Public Schools

Mary Jane Boynton

Rappahannock County High School

Rappahannock County Public Schools

Liza Broughman Aldana

Claremont Immersion School

Arlington City Public Schools

Micah DeLoatch

Thoroughgood Elementary School

Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Merilee Grubb

Lightfoot Elementary School

Orange County Public Schools

Heidi Haggerty Wagner

Early Childhood Center

Alexandria City Public Schools

Stephanie Haus

Rosemont Forest Elementary School

Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Kim Hires Smith

Fort Lewis Elementary School

Roanoke County Public Schools

Cynthia Jackson

High Point Elementary School

Washington County Public Schools

Katie Johnson

Belmont Ridge Middle School

Loudoun County Public Schools

Michelle Luttrell

Loudoun County High School

Loudoun County Public Schools

Mark Makovec

Landstown Middle School

Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Daniel Miani

First Colonial High School

Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Drew Miller

Mountain View Elementary School

Rockingham County Public Schools

Malinda Morgan

Christiansburg Elementary School

Montgomery County Public Schools

Bridget Outlaw

E. W. Chittum Elementary School

Chesapeake City Public Schools

Angela Ramsey

Galileo Magnet High School

Danville Public Schools

Ryan Schubart

Floyd E. Kellam High School

Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Michael Sidebotham

Grafton Village Elementary School

Stafford County Public Schools

Beverley Smith

Ettrick Elementary School

Chesterfield County Public Schools

Paul Thiessen Jr.

Pinebrook Elementary School

Loudoun County Public Schools

Amanda Voelker

James River High School

Chesterfield County Public Schools

Shane Wolfe

Aldrin Elementary School

Fairfax County Public Schools

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Virginia Department of Education published this content on April 23, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 23, 2026 at 15:04 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]