Spotlight: Finalists Named for AASA’s 2026 National Superintendent of the Year® Award

Press Release from AASA HQ

December 15, 2025

Contact:

Lara Wade

Director of Communications

Mobile: 813-833-1498

lwade@aasa.org

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Honorees include superintendents from Kentucky, Texas, Maine and Maryland

Alexandria, Va. – Dec. 15, 2025 – AASA, The School Superintendents Association, is proud to announce the four finalists for the prestigious 2026 National Superintendent of the Year^® Award.

This award, co-presented by AASA, Corebridge Financial, and Sourcewell, recognizes exceptional superintendents for their outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing public education in their communities.

The finalists for the 2026 award are:

• Demetrus Liggins, Superintendent, Fayette County Public Schools, Ky.

• Roosevelt Nivens, Superintendent, Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, Texas      

• Heather Perry, Superintendent of Schools, Gorham School Department, Maine

• Sonia Santelises, Chief Executive Officer, Baltimore City Schools, Md.

“These extraordinary leaders embody the transformative power of public education,” said David R. Schuler, AASA’s executive director. “Their visionary leadership uplifts students and demonstrates our continued commitment to providing every child with the opportunities, experiences, and education that prepares them for college, career, and real life in the real world. We are honored to celebrate their incredible success and accomplishments.”

Each of the finalists were nominated by their state association and honored with the title of State Superintendent of the Year. The nominees were then measured against the following criteria:

• Leadership for Learning: Creativity in successfully meeting the needs of students in his or her school system.

• Communication: Strength in both personal and organizational communication.

• Professionalism: Constant improvement of administrative knowledge and skills, while providing professional development opportunities and motivation to others on the education team.

• Community Involvement: Active participation in local community activities and an understanding of regional, national, and international issues.

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“Strong leadership in our school systems is critical to the success of students, families, educators and communities,” said Terri Fiedler, president of Retirement Services at Corebridge Financial. “We are proud to partner with AASA in honoring these outstanding superintendents and their tireless work. They exemplify what it means to be an effective leader, positively impacting the lives of so many and helping shape the future of our nation.”

“We recognize the critical role superintendents play in driving meaningful change now and in the future,” said Dr. Chad Coauette, CEO of Sourcewell. “We are honored to partner with AASA in celebrating these finalists, whose leadership shows the very best of public education and the vital roles of superintendents nationwide.”

The four finalists will have an opportunity to meet the national education community during a press conference on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, which will be livestreamed for journalists, public education advocates, and the finalist’s supporters throughout the U.S.

The 2026 National Superintendent of the Year^® will be announced live during AASA’s National Conference on Education, February 12-14 in Nashville, Tennessee.

A $10,000 college scholarship will be presented in the name of the 2026 National Superintendent of the Year^® to a student in the high school from which the superintendent graduated or the school now serving the same area.

For more information about the program, visit AASA’s website or contact Jennifer Rooney, AASA senior director, meetings and awards, at jrooney@aasa.org.

Access a complete list of the 2026 State Superintendents of the Year, awarded independently by each state association, here.

Source: AASA Press Release