Five exceptional students are beginning their college journeys with support from the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), which has awarded them the 2026 Diann Woodard S
Some students have lost their mother, while others live apart from her due to divorce, incarceration, military deployment, or other complex circumstances.
“As a principal, you’re everything to everyone,” Clarence says. “Our children are our most precious jewels. We have to treasure them. Students need leaders who are passionate about their growth and who hold themselves and other educators accountable.”
Secretary Betsy DeVos testified in front of the House and Senate Education Subcommittees about the Trump Administration’s request to cut 10-12% from the Department of Education in fiscal year 2020.
Administrators striving to safeguard their schools know that how quickly police arrive on the scene makes a critical difference. Every second counts in an emergency. Now, working with AFSA and local educators, New Jersey has enacted a law requiring public schools statewide to install panic alarms directly linked to local law enforcement.
As principals we know that virtually no institution rivals the importance of Americas public schools to our communities, economy and democracy. They bring neighbors together, set students on paths of opportunity and instill a spirit of civic engagement in each new generation.
President Trumps priorities are a big boost in military spending, a wall, deep cuts in domestic programs and years of trillion-dollar deficits. Public education clearly is not a priority.
