Page 19 - MTWISummer2024

Leadership
Teaching Today Wisconsin | Summer/Back to School 2024 Page 19

Kari Krueger is the 2024 Elementary School Principal of the Year

and Odyssey Magnet School, she has dedi- (AASD), says that Krueger is “a talented, tion teacher.
cated herself to creating a strong culture of dedicated educator who focuses on continuous Supported by the Herb Kohl educational
diversity and inclusivity. school improvement. She is an instructional Foundation, the Principal of the Year award
During her tenure, Krueger cultivated leader who values diversity and works tire- recognizes school leaders who have helped
a robust school culture centered on student lessly to provide equitable, high-quality drive student learning, foster instructional col-
achievement and support, while working learning opportunities for all students.” She laboration, and create safe and positive school
actively to bridge the gap between home and continues, “It’s fitting that Kari be recognized environments. Recipients are selected based
school. As a result of her efforts, Highlands as the 2024 Wisconsin Elementary School on their dedication to professional excellence,
experienced an increase in its growth score on Principal of the Year for her unwavering dedi- leadership skills, and service to their com-
the Wisconsin School Report Card. cation, steadfast support, and the profound munities. The Wisconsin elementary School
To positively influence school culture and impact she has had on the Highlands/Odyssey Principal of the Year is selected from the Kohl
student achievement, Krueger committed to school communities and the AASD.” Leadership Award Recipients.
include student, parent, and community voices “From all of us at AWSA, I would like to each year, teachers, parents, staff, and
in critical conversations and decisions. As part extend my congratulations to Kari Krueger for administrators are asked to nominate princi-
of this initiative, she enhanced Highland’s Pos- being named the 2024 Elementary Principal pals for the award. The recipients are selected
itive Behavior Intervention and Support team of the Year,” said Jim Lynch, executive direc- by a committee made up of representatives of
by adding parent representatives. Parent repre- tor of AWSA. “She truly leads by example, parents, and classroom, school, and district
sentatives identified areas for improvement in embodying the principles she strives to instill leaders.
The Association of Wisconsin School regard to rewarding positive student behavior, in her students, staff members, and commu-
Administrators (AWSA) has named Kari directly impacting the school’s culture. nity. Through her actions, she demonstrates Courtesy of the Association of Wisconsin
Krueger as its 2024 Elementary School Prin- In addition, Krueger made special efforts a commitment to continual learning, growth, School Administrators (AWSA)
cipal of the Year. to meet with students, taking their input and and fostering a positive culture of improve-
Krueger is the principal of Highlands ele- using their recommendations to clarify, refine, ment.”
mentary School and Odyssey Magnet School and improve the school’s behavioral expecta- Krueger holds a bachelor’s degree in ele- www.aasd.k12.wi.us
in the Appleton Area School District, where tions. mentary education and special education, as
she has served for four years after spending Dr. Nan Bunnow, Assistant Superin- well as an educational leadership certification.
two years as assistant principal. During her tendent of the Appleton Area School District earlier in her career, she was a special educa-
time in leadership at Highlands elementary

Santiago Navarro is the 2024 Wisconsin Secondary Principal of the Year

prekindergarten through 8th grade charter students with the resources and support tionally, his long-standing investment in the
school operated by the United Community essential for their future success. During school is palpable, as he consistently goes
Center in Milwaukee. Navarro has served as his time at BGCS, the school has seen above and beyond to ensure every student
middle school principal since 2009 and has the number of alumni enrolling in college receives the support they need to thrive.”
worked in some capacity at the same school after graduation increase from 3 percent to Navarro holds a bachelor’s degree, a
since starting as a 5th grade teacher in 1996. 60 percent. In addition, 70 percent of stu- master’s degree, in education and a New
As a principal, Navarro emphasizes dents now attend private high schools after Leaders for New Schools certification.
the important role schools can play in their completing 8th grade at BGCS, and many Courtesy of the Association of Wiscon-
communities. Primarily serving students receive scholarship support from the united sin School Administrators (AWSA)
from low-income families, BGCS is able Community Center.
to provide wraparound support services for Navarro strives to use data-driven
families thanks to its partnership with the decision-making and carefully cultivated
United Community Center. relationships to drive leadership and instruc- www.bgcsedu.org
“I am incredibly proud of Mr. Navarro tion in the school. He believes combining
and the impact he has had on our middle data analysis with strong relationships is
school and community here at United Com- key to helping students succeed.
munity Center. This award is a testament to “On behalf of AWSA, I am thrilled to
The Association of Wisconsin School his unwavering passion and dedication to his congratulate Santiago Navarro on being
Administrators has named Santiago Navarro staff and students and I’m excited to be able selected as the 2024 Secondary Principal of
as its 2024 Secondary School Principal of to celebrate him today,” said Laura Gutier- the Year,” said Jim Lynch, executive director
the Year. rez, CEO of United Community Center. of AWSA. “His unwavering commitment to
Navarro is the principal of Bruce- Navarro specifically aims to cultivate the school’s community and dedication to
Guadalupe Community School, a a second “home” atmosphere, providing student success are truly remarkable. Addi-

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