Award Winners

Dr. Jay Dostal, AASSP Principal of the Year

Dr. Jay Dostal, Principal of Fayetteville High School, was recently named the Arkansas Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) Principal of the Year! This award is given each year to an Arkansas secondary level principal who has succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students and has been recognized as exhibiting exceptional leadership skills in the school community. Dr. Steven Weber, Associate Superintendent for Teaching and Learning at Fayetteville Public Schools, says “One thing that impressed me about Dr. Dostal was his ability to remember the needs of the different groups once he was selected as the next principal… Dr. Dostal listens and develops plans to meet the short-term and longterm needs of students and staff. He has utilized social media, phone calls to families, student leadership teams, and multiple teacher teams to analyze the needs of the school. He provides opportunities for shared leadership and he seeks opportunities to provide teachers with a platform to lead and share their voice.”

Dr. Kim Anderson, AAFC Federal Coordinator of the Year

Dr. Kim Anderson, Assistant Superintendent with Benton School District, was recently named the 2021 Arkansas Association of Federal Coordinators (AAFC) Howard Wallace Federal Coordinator of the Year! This award is given each year in honor of Mr. Howard Wallace, long time school educator, Arkansas Department of Education staff member, and mentor to many. This award recognizes an Arkansas educator for outstanding service to public schools and for “making a difference.” Dr. Mike Skelton, Superintendent, stated, “Dr. Anderson has always demonstrated exemplary leadership in every aspect related to education. She maintains high expectations of students and staff, and has a strong rapport with stakeholders from all backgrounds. She truly does go above and beyond to meet the needs of all students.”

Phillip Kelley, ASPMA Plant Manager of the Year

Phillip Kelley, Maintenance and Transportation Supervisor for the Crossett School District, has been named the Arkansas School Plant Managers Association (ASPMA) Plant Manager of the Year! This is the first year for this award, which will be given each year to an Arkansas school plant manager who has shown strong leadership, dedication to service, and a commitment to quality school facility management. Gary Williams, Superintendent of Crossett School District, said “Mr. Kelley has approached his role in public education for over 35 years with a professional approach and pride in his work. His proactive approach to preventative maintenance saves the district money and gets ahead of potential problems to keep our building operational… it is clear to me how concerned he is for our students’ success and well-being.”

Stephanie Anderson, AAMLA Principal of the Year

Stephanie Anderson, Principal of Helen Tyson Middle School in the Springdale School District, was recently named the Arkansas Association of Middle Level Administrators (AAMLA) Principal of the Year! This award is given each year to an Arkansas middle level principal who has succeeded in contributing to a positive and motivating environment for others and has been recognized as exhibiting exceptional leadership skills in the school community. Jared Cleveland, Superintendent of Springdale School District, says of Stephanie, “Ms. Anderson is a strong instructional leader that is very student focused… Because of her population, Ms. Anderson has been able to lead her teachers and staff to personalize instruction, meet students where they are and grow them to high levels. Ms. Anderson has created a school community where student achievement is at the heart of teacher conversations… When I walk through her school, I observe students engaged in meaningful, rigorous learning activities.”

Lisa Hotsenpiller, AACTEA Administrator of the Year

Lisa Hotsenpiller, Director of Career and Technical Education for the Fayetteville School District, has been named the Arkansas Association of Career and Technical Education Administrators (AACTEA) Administrator of the Year. This award is given each year to an Arkansas career and technical education administrator who has succeeded in promoting and enhancing career and technical education in their organization and has been recognized as exhibiting exceptional leadership skills in their community. Dr. Steven Weber, Associate Superintendent for Teaching and Learning at Fayetteville Public Schools, states “Lisa Hotsenpiller is an advocate for all students and an ambassador for Career and Technical Education… While some directors and principals may celebrate CTE Month annually, Ms. Hotsenpiller has made intentional efforts to highlight CTE students, teachers, and regional partners through the CTE Friday Flash… She is focused on creating opportunities that prepare students for college and career opportunities.”