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Leadership
Page 26 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaymn.com

Three Minnesota Principals Named Finalists for the National

Distinguished Principal Award

learning systems, and ensuring students’
basic needs are met through strong com-
munity partnerships. Her work centers on
empowering staff, building trust, and cre-
ating structures that support both academic
growth and student well-being.

ramsey.ahschools.us

“These three finalists exemplify what
it means to lead with purpose, courage,
and heart,” said Michelle Krell, Executive
Director. “Each of them has created learning
environments where students are supported
academically, socially, and emotionally, and
where staff and families feel valued as true
partners. Their leadership reflects the very
best of our profession, and we are proud to
celebrate their impact on students and school
communities across Minnesota.”
The National Distinguished Principal
Award honors principals who set high stan-
dards for instruction, foster collaborative
school cultures, and make a lasting differ-
Three outstanding Minnesota elementary more inclusive learning environment for stu- Denise Schnabel, Principal of Ramsey ence in the lives of children. The final step
school leaders have been named finalists for dents, staff, and families. of the application process is the interview
the National Distinguished Principal Award Elementary, Anoka-Hennepin Schools by a panel of their peers representing all
presented by the National Association for Denise Schnabel was selected as a twelve regions of Minnesota. One finalist
Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and sweeney.shakopee. finalist for her transformative leadership will be selected to represent Minnesota at the
the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ k12.mn.us and commitment to equity and whole-child national level in October, 2026.
Association (MESPA). This award recog- support. Schnabel has led large, diverse Courtesy of the Minnesota Elementary School
nizes exceptional leadership, commitment to school communities through periods of Principals’ Association
student success, and lasting impact on school significant change by strengthening instruc-
communities. The finalists are: Mary Holmberg, Principal of Rich- tional practices, expanding social-emotional
• Derek Bell, Principal of Sweeney Ele-
mentary in Shakopee Public Schools mond Elementary and John Clark
• Mary Holmberg, Principal of Richmond Elementary, ROCORI School District Sayles-Adams 2026 Minnesota
Elementary and John Clark Elementary Mary Holmberg was named a finalist
in the ROCORI School District for her strong instructional leadership and
• Denise Schnabel, Principal of Ramsey ability to align systems across the two schools Superintendent of the Year Continued from Page 24
Elementary in the Anoka-Hennepin she leads. Holmberg has led sustained aca- a principal in Clayton County, Georgia, and of School Administrators Board of Directors,
School District demic growth through a data-driven MTSS Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS). She then Association of Metropolitan School Districts,
framework, earning Richmond Elementary
Each finalist demonstrates a deep com- national recognition for student achievement. held assistant superintendent roles first at Generation Next (Co-Chair), Achieve Twin
mitment to academic excellence, inclusive Her leadership is also marked by intentional SPPS and later in North St. Paul-Maplewood- Cities, and the Minneapolis Youth Coordinat-
school culture, and collaborative leadership. Oakdale before becoming superintendent of ing Board.
family and community engagement, cultivat- Eastern Carver County Schools. She became “It is a honor to receive this award, and
Derek Bell, Principal of Sweeney ing partnerships that foster student belonging, superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools I am humbled by the recognition,” shared Dr.
Elementary, Shakopee Public Schools staff collaboration, and a shared sense of pride in February 2024. Sayles-Adams. “I have the best job and it is a
across both school communities. Dr. Sayles-Adams’ honors include the privilege to work in partnership with brilliant
Derek Bell was selected as a finalist for
his intentional focus on student well-being and MASA Kay E. Jacobs Memorial Award and committed colleagues to support our stu-
proactive systems of support. Under his lead- (2023), Minnesota School Public Relations dents and staff each and every day.”
ership, Sweeney Elementary has strengthened www.rocori.k12.mn.us Association Champion of Communications Courtesy of The Minnesota Association of
its culture and climate through innovative Award (2023), and Rotary Club of St. Paul School Administrators
approaches such as the creation of a Student Education Forward Awards (2017 & 2018).
Advocate role and the expansion of relation- Her statewide and national service
ship-based behavioral supports. Bell’s work includes leadership roles with the American www.mpschools.org
emphasizes trust, collaboration, and shared Association of School Administrators, Council
ownership, resulting in improved student of Great City Schools, Minnesota Association
engagement, reduced behavior referrals, and a