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Public education leaders to be recognized at AASA鈥檚 2026 National Conference on Education.
Alexandria, Va. (January 14, 2026) 鈥� AASA, 萝卜AV视频, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award, an annual recognition of education leaders committed to the advancement and mentorship of women and underrepresented groups in our nation鈥檚 public schools.
The 2026 honorees were selected for this award because they exemplify the qualities modeled by the late Dr. Effie Hall Jones, a school administrator, teacher, counselor and former 萝卜AV视频associate executive director. The 2026 recipients are:
Monique Darrisaw-Akil, superintendent, Uniondale Union Free School District (Long Island, New York)
Aaron Spence, superintendent, Loudoun County Public Schools (Ashburn, Virginia)
Stacie Stanley, superintendent, Saint Paul Public Schools (Saint Paul, Minnesota)
"These honorees represent the very best of public education leadership. Through their commitment to mentorship, access, and opportunity, they are creating lasting impact for the students and communities they serve," said David R. Schuler, executive director of AASA. "Dr. Jones dedicated her career to opening doors for others, and her legacy lives on in leaders like these, whose service, generosity, and conviction continue to move public education forward."
Darrisaw-Akil, Spence, and Stanley will receive their awards during the second general session at AASA鈥檚 2026 , Feb. 12, in Nashville.
On the second day of the conference, the awardees will be honored at the Dr. Effie Hall Jones Memorial Luncheon, an event co-hosted by the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents and the National Alliance of Black School Educators, and graciously sponsored by the Institute for Educational Innovation.
About the Honorees
Monique Darrisaw-Akil
Superintendent, Uniondale Union Free School District (Uniondale, New York)
Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil is a transformative educational leader who believes that within every child resides a unique "genius" waiting to be affirmed. As the Superintendent of the Uniondale Union Free School District, she oversees the success of over 6,000 students through a leadership framework of equity, academic excellence, culturally responsive education, and authentic leadership. Under her stewardship, the Uniondale school district has achieved national acclaim for dramatic increases in the high school graduation rate, being named one of only 27 "My Brother鈥檚 Keeper" communities by the Obama Foundation and receiving the College Board鈥檚 AP Spotlight for remarkable increases in advanced placement participation, particularly for young men of color.
An active leader at the local and national levels, Dr. Darrisaw-Akil currently serves on the Governing Board of AASA, the Diversity and Equity Commission of the New York State Council of School Superintendents and was recently recognized as a "Superintendent to Watch" and the Uniondale Herald鈥檚 2023 Person of the Year. A sought-after speaker and mentor, she serves as a lead faculty member for the AASA/Howard University Aspiring Superintendents鈥� Academy, where she cultivates the next generation of diverse executive leaders.
Aaron Spence
Superintendent, Loudoun County Public Schools (Loudoun, Virginia)
A passionate and visionary leader in public education for over three decades, Dr. Aaron Spence is dedicated to ensuring all students have access to rigorous coursework, innovative learning opportunities, and resources they need to succeed. Known for fostering a culture where differences are celebrated and where student and staff voices are valued, Dr. Spence is committed to creating an inclusive and empowering environment for all.
As Superintendent of Loudoun County Public Schools, Dr. Spence oversees the instructional leadership and administrative operation of 100 schools and centers serving nearly 83,000 students. He leads LCPS with the belief that every student deserves opportunities to thrive academically, socially and emotionally, preparing them to excel in an ever-changing world.
Stacie Stanley
Superintendent, Saint Paul Public Schools (Saint Paul, Minnesota)
Dr. Stacie L. Stanley serves as Superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools, Minnesota's second-largest district, where she began her tenure in May 2025. She previously served as Superintendent of Edina Public Schools, a first ring suburb of Minneapolis, for four years. Throughout her career spanning mathematics teacher, director of equity, school principal, director of curriculum and instruction, and associate superintendent, Dr. Stanley has championed equity and access for all students. She is a systems thinker who has led efforts across several districts to eliminate tracked systems and open doors to rigorous and culturally responsive learning for historically marginalized students.
A fierce advocate for youth voice and equitable learning environments, Dr. Stanley centers her leadership on dignity and belonging for all students and staff. She currently serves as President of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) where she facilitates its monthly Women In Leadership affinity group.
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AASA, 萝卜AV视频, founded in 1865, is the premier association for school system leaders and serves as the national voice for public education and district leadership on Capitol Hill. A professional community of more than 10,000 educational leaders, 萝卜AV视频and its members are committed to providing high-quality public education to all students. For more information, visit .
