Page 18 - TTWISpringSummer2025

Leadership
Page 18 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaywi.com

Wisconsin’s 2025 Principals of the Year — Congratulations!

Supported by the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation, the Principal of the Year award recognizes school leaders who have helped drive student learning, foster instructional collaboration,
and create safe and positive school environments. Recipients are selected based on their dedication to professional excellence, leadership skills and service to their communities.

2025 Wisconsin Elementary School 2025 Wisconsin Middle School Principal 2025 Wisconsin High School Principal
Principal of the Year Samuel Karns of the Year Luke Spielman of the Year Dr. Brian Cox

The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators has The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators has The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators has
named Samuel Karns as the 2025 Elementary School Princi- named Luke Spielman as its 2025 Middle School Principal of named Dr. Brian Cox as its 2025 High School Principal of
pal of the Year. the Year. the Year.
Karns serves as principal of Todd Elementary School, a Spielman serves as principal of Park View Middle School Dr. Cox is the principal of Verona Area High School.
4K-5th grade building in the School District of Beloit. In just in the Mukwonago Area School District (MASD). There, he Known for transparency, servant leadership, and a commit-
three years, he has guided the school from a “fails to meet has focused on fostering a culture of continuous improve- ment to equity, he has impacted the school by developing
expectations” rating to “meets expectations” on the State ment, collaboration, and empowerment, while prioritizing coherent systems that support all learners—especially those
Report Card. His leadership style centers on service and relationship building and trust. He has led strategic efforts traditionally underserved.
shared accountability, creating a culture where all staff, stu- to restructure the school schedule, extend instructional time, Under Dr. Cox’s leadership, VAHS has supported efforts
dents, and families are empowered to succeed together. and create protected collaboration periods for teachers, which like the Hope Team, Wildcat Academy, and schoolwide AVID
Additionally, Karns has embedded a continuous improve- have directly improved student outcomes. implementation. These programs have contributed to measurable
ment cycle into the school’s leadership structure, using 100-day Under Spielman’s leadership, Park View has imple- gains when it comes to student perceptions of safety, reduced dis-
plans and data-informed decision making to identify needs mented inclusive, data-driven practices that close achievement ciplinary incidents, and expanded access to advanced coursework
and drive change. His efforts have expanded tiered supports gaps and promote college and career readiness. Proficiency through Equal Opportunity Schools and AP enrollment. This has
for social-emotional learning, increased student engagement, among students with disabilities has improved significantly helped the school earn an AP Silver recognition.
and raised attendance by 2.7 percent year over year. in both math and English Language Arts. Park View’s DPI “We are thrilled that Dr. Cox has been honored with
“As a principal, Mr. Karns leads with heart, purpose, and Growth Priority Score also rose from the 11th to the 75th per- the 2025 Principal of the Year award,” said Superintendent
an unwavering belief in the potential of every student,” said centile in just two years. Dr. Tremayne Clardy. “In his time at VAHS, he has proven
Superintendent Dr. Willie E. Garrison II. “His commitment “Mr. Spielman is the kind of principal every commu- himself a truly dedicated and dynamic leader, with a style
to educational equity, community partnership, and continuous nity hopes for—thoughtful, strategic, and relentlessly student that empowers students, staff, and families. This award is an
improvement has transformed Todd Elementary into a thriv- focused,” said MASD Superintendent Dr. Joe Koch. “Under enormous point of pride for our entire school community, and
ing, student-centered school. Mr. Karns is a model for what his leadership, Park View Middle School has become a place a well-deserved honor for a highly skilled educational leader
strong, servant leadership looks like in action.” where students are challenged, supported, and inspired to who always acts in the best interests of the students he serves.”
Karns has been an active member of the NAACP, grow. The impact of his leadership is visible not just in data, At VAHS, Dr. Cox has established advisory councils and
AWSA, HEAR (Health Equity Alliance of Rock County), and but also in the culture he has cultivated at the school.” restructured leadership teams into collaborative, data-driven
the Beloit Back to School CommUNITY Health Fair Planning Spielman cultivates leadership among staff and students, units focused on continuous improvement. His advocacy
Committee. establishing structures like the Guiding Coalition and student extends beyond the building, as he has become a national
“On behalf of AWSA, we would like to congratulate government. He also extends his impact regionally, facilitat- voice for education policy through his work with NASSP and
Samuel Karns on earning the 2025 Wisconsin Elementary ing a professional network of 44 area middle school principals advocacy efforts at the federal level.
Principal of the Year award,” said AWSA Executive Director and teaching graduate-level education courses. Prior to his time at VAHS, Dr. Cox was principal of
Jim Lynch. “His vision, collaborative approach, and commit- Before becoming Park View’s principal in 2018, Spiel- Johnson Junior High School in Laramie, Wyoming. He also has
ment exemplify the work of elementary school leaders across man served as an associate principal in the Watertown Unified experience as an assistant principal and associate principal. He
the state. This is a well-deserved honor for a truly dedicated School District, and he began his career in education as a began his career in education as a high school science teacher.
school leader.” social studies teacher. “On behalf of AWSA, I would like to congratulate Dr.
“On behalf of AWSA, I am thrilled to congratulate Luke Brian Cox for his selection as the 2025 High School Princi-
Spielman on being named the 2025 Wisconsin Middle School pal of the Year,” said AWSA Executive Director Jim Lynch.
Principal of the Year,” said AWSA Executive Director Jim “He is a great representative of the extraordinary work school
Lynch. “He leads with heart and vision, empowering staff and leaders do every day throughout our state.”
students alike to reach their full potential. He exemplifies the
work that school leaders do every day.” Courtesy of the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators