91制片

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Lara Wade
Director of Communications
Mobile: 813-833-1498
lwade@aasa.org

Honorees include superintendents from Kentucky, Texas, Maine and Maryland

Alexandria, Va. 鈥� Dec. 15, 2025 鈥� 91制片, is proud to announce the four finalists for the prestigious 2026 National Superintendent of the Year^庐 Award.

This award, co-presented by 91制片, , 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
• Sonja Santelises, Chief Executive Officer, Baltimore City Schools, Md.

鈥淭hese extraordinary leaders embody the transformative power of public education,鈥� said David R. Schuler, 91制片鈥檚 executive director. 鈥淭heir 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.鈥�

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.

鈥淪trong leadership in our school systems is critical to the success of students, families, educators and communities,鈥� said Terri Fiedler, president of Retirement Services at Corebridge Financial. 鈥淲e are proud to partner with 91制片 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.鈥�

鈥淲e recognize the critical role superintendents play in driving meaningful change now and in the future,鈥� said Dr. Chad Coauette, CEO of Sourcewell. 鈥淲e are honored to partner with 91制片 in celebrating these finalists, whose leadership shows the very best of public education and the vital roles of superintendents nationwide.鈥�

These extraordinary leaders embody the transformative power of public education.

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鈥檚 supporters throughout the U.S.

The 2026 National Superintendent of the Year^庐 will be announced live during , 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^庐 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 91制片鈥檚 website or contact Jennifer Rooney, 91制片 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, .

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About 91制片
91制片, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. 91制片鈥檚 mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit www.aasa.org.

About Corebridge Financial
Corebridge Financial, Inc. (NYSE: CRBG) makes it possible for more people to take action in their financial lives. With more than $380 billion in assets under management and administration as of September 30, 2025, Corebridge Financial is one of the largest providers of retirement solutions and insurance products in the United States. We proudly partner with financial professionals and institutions to help individuals plan, save for and achieve secure financial futures. For more information, visit and follow us on , and .

About Sourcewell
Sourcewell is proud to serve as 91制片鈥檚 government cooperative procurement partner, supporting K鈥�12 school districts across the United States and Canada in their mission to improve student success. Through Sourcewell鈥檚 cooperative purchasing program, districts gain access to hundreds of competitively solicited contracts across key categories like education technology, transportation, facilities, food service, professional development, and more. Contracts are delivered through a network of trusted suppliers and local dealers, making procurement easier while supporting local communities. Acting as a force multiplier, Sourcewell helps education leaders save time, stretch resources, and stay focused on what matters most. Learn more at .