Region Principal of the Year and Principal of the Year (POY)
Sheri Boehlert Named 2025 AASSP Alaska Principal of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2025
The Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) is proud to announce the Alaska Principal of the Year for 2025 is Sheri Boehlert, principal of Schoenbar Middle School in Ketchikan, Alaska.
Principal Boehlert received her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Western Washington University. She completed her Master's Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Arizona State University.
Principal Boehlert has spent her whole career in education as a teacher and principal in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District. She served as a elementary school teacher from 1994-2005, before becoming the Principal of Pt. Higgins Elementary school in 2005 and then principal of Schoenbar Middle School in 2016.
Rick Dormer, President of AASSP, said Principal Boehlert has been an exemplary leader in Alaska for many years. "Principal Boehlert is an experienced educator with a history of leading staff through constructive changes that lead to increased student success. She knows and cares about her community, and is involved at many levels." Dormer added, "Sheri is an innovative leader who works tirelessly to develop a collaborative environment in which staff expertise is valued and shared, and every student is known and cared for. She is an exceptional principal; it has been an honor to work with and learn from her."
"Sheri Boehlert has consistently demonstrated strong and courageous leadership in our district," said Jason House, Schoenbar Middle School Assistant Principal. "Throughout her years of leadership, Sheri has worked to ensure stakeholder voice, to encourage data-based practices, and has remained focused on student-centered decision making.
Michael Robbins, Superintendent of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District congratulated Principal Boehlert saying, "She is an outstanding educator and one of the best I’ve had the privilege of working with. She always puts students first and has built strong, meaningful relationships with her students, colleagues, and the community."
DEED Commissioner Dr. Deena Bishop shared that all of Alaska is proud of the accomplishments of Principal Boehlert. "She is an exceptional leader, dedicated to education and the success of her students, school, and community. In 2012, as principal, she led Point Higgins School to earn recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School." Commissioner Bishop added, "Through data-driven decision-making, best practices, and inclusive leadership, Ms. Boehlert is guiding Schoenbar toward a thriving future. Alaska celebrates her dedication and impact!"
Each year, the AASSP State Principal of the Year winners are submitted for consideration to be the NASSP National Principal of the Year. Principal Boehlert will travel to Washington, D.C., to represent Alaska this fall for the NASSP Principals Institute.
2025 AASSP Regional Principals of the Year
2025 Region I Principal of the Year - Brian Schaffer - Meade River School, North Slope Borough School District
2025 Region II Principal of the Year - Jeni Mason - Denali PEAK, Denali Borough School District
2025 Region III Principal of the Year - Michael Crain - Nikiski Middle School, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
2025 Region IV Principal of the Year - Megan Hatswell - Chugiak High School, Anchorage School District
2025 Region V Principal of the Year - Sherilynn Boehlert - Schoenbar Middle School, Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District
2025 Region VI Principal of the Year - Mark Winford - West Valley High School, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
2025 Region VII Principal of the Year - Ed Lester - Newhalen School, Lake and Peninsula School District
2025 Region VIII Principal of the Year - Tom Lytle - Redington Jr/Sr High School, Mat-Su Borough School District
AASSP sponsors Regional and Statewide Principal of the Year recognition programs
Region Principal & Assistant Principal of the Year Award (requires a nomination)
A call for nominations is made each January, with recognition at the Fall Principals Conference each year. Nominations should be submitted through the approved nomination application form which will be directed to the designated AASSP Region Director, who coordinates the voting/selection process for their Region.
All principals nominated for Regional Principal of the Year must be a member of AASSP/NASSP at time of nomination and selection and must have been a principal for three or more years.
Regional Principals of the Year may be nominated by anyone — students, staff, parents, district office staff or principal peers. Nominations must include a RPOY Nomination form that can be obtained by the Regional AASSP board member.
Only nominations that meet all above criteria will be included in the ballot for each region. Selection of the RPOY is made only by current AASSP members in their region.
Winners of their region’s RPOY award are encouraged to then apply for the Alaska Principal of the Year by completing the NASSP National Principal of the Year Award Application.
Alaska Principal of the Year Award (requires completion of an application)
All regional winners will be eligible to complete the Alaska State Principal & Assistant Principal of the Year Award Application. Applicants must be members of AASSP and NASSP at the time of application, and must have been a principal in a K-12, middle or high school for three years. Applicants must be a member of AASSP/NASSP at the time of recognition and meet all other criteria.
A selection committee is formed and makes final selection. The selections made for Alaska Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year are then invited to complete the NASSP application for consideration as National Principal & Assistant Principal of the Year.