AAESA

AAESA wishes to congratulate two outstanding schools and principals that were recognized at the National School Leaders Conference as being named 2026 National Gold Star Schools:

🔹 Northridge Middle School, Tuscaloosa City: Principal Jami Rainey

🔹 West Point Intermediate School, Cullman County: Principal Michael Jones

🌟 NAESP’s National Gold Star School® (NGSS) program recognizes outstanding elementary and middle-level schools where learning communities work collaboratively to grow and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement of performance.

🇺🇸 This year, NAESP recognized 57 schools nationwide representing 29 different states.

Congratulations to these two Alabama schools, and thank you for serving the students of our state so well!

We look forward to seeing more schools participate in the future. Find out more about the National Gold Star School program here: https://www.naesp.org/programs/recognition/ngss/

CLAS - Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools
National Association of Elementary School Principals

🇺🇸 AAESA is in the house in Orlando for National School Leaders Conference!

We are excited to be here with principals from all over the nation for meaningful learning, powerful connections, and lasting impact!

National Association of Elementary School Principals
CLAS - Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools

👋🏻 Hey, AAESA! Are you at this year’s CLAS Convention in Mobile? Your AAESA CLAS Board members and Executive Board are looking forward to serving you this year.

🔹AAESA Executive Board Officers:
Executive Director: Hope Zeneah
Past President-Sheneta Smith
President-Katie Holland
President-Elect: Brigett Stewart
Vice President: Eric Kirkman
NAESP Rep: Barry Wood

🔺Please join me in welcoming our CLAS Board Members for AAESA:

• Dana Bottoms
• Veronica Coleman
• Jenny Davis
• Laura Herron
• Tish Lewis
• Christie Mitten
• Preeti Nichani
• Jami Rainey
• Sheneta Smith
• Kimberly White

If you see us, be sure to say hi and let us know how we can best serve you! Have a great conference!

AAESA wishes to officially congratulate Dr. Preeti Nichani on earning the much-deserved title of Alabama's National Distinguished Principal. Dr. Nichani will represent our state amongst the rest of the nation's honorees in Washington D.C. this fall!

Congratulations to Dr. Preeti Nichani, principal of Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools–Elementary in Tuscaloosa City Schools, who has been named Alabama’s NAESP National Distinguished Principal.

This prestigious recognition celebrates exceptional school leaders who demonstrate outstanding instructional leadership and a deep commitment to student success.

Dr. Nichani’s leadership continues to make a meaningful impact on students, staff, and the entire school community.

Read the full announcement:
https://bit.ly/46Sxed5

Award generously sponsored by Bailey Education Group

National Association of Elementary School Principals

AAESA congratulates these incredible finalists for National Distinguished Principal! This exceptional group represents our profession well!

🎉 Three Alabama principals have been named finalists for Alabama’s 2026 NAESP National Distinguished Principal!

Congratulations to:
• Dr. Melvin Love, Oxmoor Valley Elementary
• Dr. Preeti Nichani, Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools–Elementary
• Ms. Sheneta Smith, Howell Graves Preschool

These outstanding school leaders will now participate in school visits and interviews as part of the selection process for Alabama’s National Distinguished Principal.

Read the full announcement:
https://clasleaders.org/communications/news/three-alabama-principals-named-finalists-for-alabamas-2026-naesp-national-distinguished-principal/

Sponsored by: Bailey Education Group


Association of Elementary School Principals

Make sure you’ve cast your vote for NAESP Vice President! (Must be an NAESP member-check your emails from February 10th for ballot)

2026 NAESP Vice President Candidates Named - NAESP Meet the Vice President Candidates Named for the 2026 NAESP Election.

Great article highlighting the work done on Capitol Hill this past week! Featured in the article is AAESA’s very own David Carpenter, our federal relations coordinator, who organized and prepared our team well for this trip!

On Capitol Hill, Relieved Principals Press for Even More Federal Support With the fiscal 2026 budget maintaining level K-12 funding, principals look to the future.

Round 2 this afternoon on the Hill!

Big thank you to representative Palmer, Rogers, Aderholt, and Figures for giving us time to talk about the needs of Alabama schools!




National Association of Elementary School Principals

CLAS - Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools

This morning CLAS - Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools and AAESA leadership met with staff from the offices of Senators Tuberville and Britt, as well as House Representative Dale Strong.

Key issues discussed were additonal funding for school nurses, guidance counselors and mental health needs, fully funding IDEA and Title I, Title II-Part A, early childhood education and more!

We are so thankful for these representatives for giving us their time to share important matters of Alabama schools!

Headed to see a few more leaders this afternoon!

National Association of Elementary School Principals

AAESA and CLAS - Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools are on the Hill today! Best part of the job, elevating student voices! We are looking forward to a full and productive day speaking with Senators and State Representatives on behalf of Alabama schools.

National Association of Elementary School Principals