ܲAVƵAnnounces 2026 Women in School Leadership Award Finalists

November 20, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Lara Wade
Director of Communications
Mobile: (813) 833-1498
lwade@aasa.org

Alexandria, Va. – Nov. 19, 2025 – AASA, ܲAVƵ, is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2026 Women in School Leadership Awards.

The awards, presented by ܲAVƵin partnership with Horace Mann Educators Corporation, recognize outstanding female leaders who have made significant contributions to education in two key categories: Superintendent and Central Office/Principal.

“Horace Mann is proud to partner with ܲAVƵto recognize and congratulate the 2026 finalists for the ܲAVƵWomen in School Leadership Awards,” said Marita Zuraitis, president, Horace Mann Educators Corporation. “Their unwavering dedication and vision inspire excellence, motivate educators and students, and strengthen the communities they serve.”

The 2026 Women in School Leadership Award finalists are:

Central Office/ Principal Category

  • Mary Decker, associate director of schools for teaching and learning, Franklin Special District (Tenn.)
  • Janeen Peretin, assistant to the superintendent, Baldwin-Whitehall School District (Pa.)

Superintendent Category

  • Myriam Rogers, superintendent, Baltimore County Public Schools (Md.)
  • Crystal Turner, superintendent, Saddleback Valley Unified School District (Calif.)
These accomplished leaders have demonstrated a deep commitment to student success, staff development, and innovation in education.

“These accomplished leaders have demonstrated a deep commitment to student success, staff development, and innovation in education. We are thrilled to honor their achievements and showcase their outstanding contributions to K-12 public education,” said David R. Schuler, Executive Director of AASA.

Finalists are evaluated on their leadership in meeting the learning needs of students, personal and organizational communication strength, constant professional improvement of knowledge and skills, and active community involvement.

The final award recipients in each category will be announced during the 2026 ܲAVƵNational Conference on Education, February 12-14 in Nashville, Tennessee. 

For more information about the Women in School Leadership Awards, please visit the ܲAVƵwebsite or contact Jennifer Rooney, ܲAVƵsenior director of meetings and awards, at jrooney@aasa.org.

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ܲAVƵ
AASA, ܲAVƵ, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit www.aasa.org.

About Horace Mann
Horace Mann Educators Corporation is the largest financial services company focused on helping America's educators and others who serve the community achieve lifelong financial success. The company offers individual and group insurance and financial solutions tailored to the needs of the educator community. Founded by Educators for Educators® in 1945, the company is headquartered in Springfield, Illinois.