OAESA 2026 Principal of the Year
Amanda Rodriguez, Clark PreK-8 School, Cleveland Metropolitan Schools
Honorees are selected by their colleagues for achievements above and beyond those expected in the usual school program. OAESA has been recognizing outstanding administrators since 1984.
OAESA 2026 Outstanding Second-in-Command Administrator Award
Ericka Thompson, Assistant Principal, J.F. Burns Elementary, Kings Local Schools
Honorees are selected by their colleagues for achievements above and beyond those expected in a role as an auxiliary administrator who partners in the day-to-day operations of PreK-8 schools.
OAESA 2026 Outstanding Central Office Administrator Award
Suzanne Palmer, Director of Gifted Services and Enrichment Programs, Worthington City Schools
Honorees are selected by their colleagues for achievements above and beyond those expected in a role as a central office administrator who partners in the day-to-day operations of PreK-8 schools.
OAESA 2026 Administrative Assistant of the Year
Mary Mitchell, Sherwood Elementary School, Forest Hills Schools
Honorees are selected for epitomizing the highest standards of commitment, dedication and service to their school or district.
OAESA 2026 D. Richard Murray Award
Carrie Sanchez Kramer, Assistant Superintendent of Leadership and Learning, North Point ESC
To recognize D. Richard Murray, Emeritus OAESA Executive Director, the OAESA Board of Directors has annually presented an award to an individual who has provided outstanding service to benefit administrators and the children they serve during the most recent year.
OAESA 2026 Samuel R. Burnett Lifetime Achievement Award
Mark Jones, OAESA Associate Executive Director
This award honors outstanding school leaders who have made significant contributions to the advancement of educational leadership, focused on PreK-8, both within and beyond their school communities, over their lifetimes. They represent the most influential minds in the field of elementary and middle level educational leadership.
OAESA 2026 Hall of Fame Schools
Exemplary educational programs that go above and beyond meeting the needs of students in elementary and middle level schools across the state are recognized annually through the OAESA Hall of Fame School Recognition Program. This award has been distributed since 1984.
Big Creek Elementary
Berea City Schools
Principal Bonnie Nagel
Knollwood Elementary
Sheffield-Sheffield Lake City Schools
Principal Colleen Mudore
Slate Hill Elementary
Worthington City Schools
Principal Julie Gulley
Suffield Elementary
Field Local Schools
Principal Shawn Bookman
Brantwood Elementary
Mad River Local Schools
Principal Chad Hinton
Liberty Elementary
North Ridgeville Schools
Principal Brianne Puleo
St. Clairsville Elementary
St. Clairsville-Richland City Schools
Principal Amber Galloway
Coventry Elementary
Coventry Local Schools
Principal Daniel Savage
North Nimishillen Elementary
Louisville City Schools
Principal Melanie Davis
Stewart Elementary
Princeton City Schools
Principal Dennis Ramsey
West Elementary
New Philadelphia City Schools
Principal Lisa Host
OAESA Annual Awards
The nomination window is now closed for the 2026 recognition program. Stay tuned for the announcement of our 2026 award winners in the spring!
OAESA annually recognizes elementary and middle-level schools and school leaders for their exceptional service to the students and school communities throughout Ohio. Nominees will be notified promptly upon nomination and will be provided information to complete the award application process. All honorees will be announced in the spring and will be celebrated at our annual professional conference. We look forward to honoring our winners for all they are doing for Ohio's school children.
Hall of Fame Schools
OAESA celebrates elementary and/or middle level schools that provide truly outstanding educational opportunities to their students through effective programming and instruction. These schools are characterized by an atmosphere of growth, achievement, pride, and a dedication to excellence on the part of staff and students.
OAESA Principal of the Year
This award recognizes an elementary and/or middle-level principal as the OAESA Principal of the Year. If this individual also meets current NAESP membership requirements, s/he can additionally be recognized as the National Distinguished Principal (NDP) and will represent Ohio in the National Association of Elementary School Principals’ NDP program in Washington, D.C.
Outstanding Second-in-Command Administrator
The "Second-in-Command" position is a diverse role with unique challenges. The Outstanding Second-in-Command award recognizes the exceptional leadership of auxiliary administrators who partner in the day-to-day operations of pre‑K–8 schools.
Outstanding Central Office Administrator
Central Office administrators working on behalf of our PreK-8 students add a tremendous benefit to a school community. This award recognizes one of these highly impactful individuals in our state by identifying an Outstanding Central Office Administrator (OCOA).
Administrative Assistant of the Year
OAESA annually honors one administrative assistant who epitomizes the highest standards of commitment, dedication and service in support of an OAESA member. The Administrative Assistant of the Year will receive a complimentary registration to OAESA’s Administrative Assistants Conference and a monetary award to be used within the school.