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Leadership
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Wisconsin Associate Principals of the Year Continued on Page 23
The Wisconsin Associate Principal of the Year program recognizes associate principals whose leadership has resulted in improved student learning, instructional collaboration, and a safe and
positive school environment. Nominations are accepted from teachers, parents, principals, and others across Wisconsin.
A committee representing teachers, superintendents, board members, parents, and the DPI reviews the applications and selects an APOYs. Considerable support comes from the Herb Kohl
Educational Foundation.

Ben Tashner Named Wisconsin Middle School Associate Principal of the Year

“Ben Tashner’s leadership reflects the the resources and support they need to help
best of Wisconsin’s middle school asso- students grow and learn,” said HMS Principal
ciate principals,” said AWSA Executive Ryan Vogler. “He works tirelessly to develop
Director Jim Lynch. “His work at Holmen opportunities for students to get involved and
Middle School demonstrates a deep com- create a culture where all students feel like
mitment to belonging, collaboration, and they belong. HMS is lucky to have him on our
continuous improvement. He leads with com- staff.”
passion and clarity, creating a culture where “We are absolutely thrilled that Mr.
students and staff thrive together.” Tashner has been named the Wisconsin
At Holmen Middle School, Tashner has Middle School Associate Principal of the
strengthened systems that promote student Year,” said School District of Holmen Dis-
safety, wellbeing, and growth. He is known trict Administrator Dr. Kristin Mueller. “This
for being a visible, approachable presence in honor is a testament to the incredible energy
hallways, classrooms, and lunchrooms, where he brings every day, creating a vibrant, engag-
he builds authentic connections and models ing, and inclusive educational community. He
the importance of respect and collaboration. is a master connector building strong bridges
A former special education teacher, with our students, families, and community
Tashner draws on his classroom experience to members, ensuring that everyone feels they
Left to Right: Stuart Russ, AWSA Board President, Ryan Vogler, Principal, Holmen Middle
School, Ben Tashner, APOY, Holmen Middle School, Brady Turner, Associate Principal, Holmen lead with empathy and equity. He has devel- truly belong. His exceptional leadership drives
Middle School, Jim Lynch, AWSA Executive Director, and Kristin Mueller, District Administrator, oped collaborative intervention systems that our mission forward and empowers all to
Holmen School District.
ensure students receive timely, individualized succeed. We are proud of him and this state-
The Association of Wisconsin School School, has been dedicated to building a school academic and behavioral support. Through wide honor.”
Administrators has recognized Ben Tashner as culture where every student and staff member data-driven decision making and strong rela-
its 2026 Wisconsin Middle School Associate feels seen, supported, and valued. Over his tionships with staff and families, he has helped
Principal of the Year. The announcement was four years as associate principal, he has helped improve attendance, engagement, and overall www.holmen.k12.wi.us
made during a surprise ceremony at his school. lead a collaborative, student-centered environ- school climate.
Tashner, who serves as associate princi- ment rooted in the school’s mission: “Belong. “Ben is a dedicated leader committed to
pal and activities director at Holmen Middle Serve. Succeed.” collaborating with staff to ensure they have

Amanda Jamerson Named Wisconsin High School Associate Principal of the Year

and strengthened collaborative leadership leadership development, and college readiness
among staff. for African American students throughout south-
“Amanda Jamerson exemplifies the lead- eastern Wisconsin.
ership, compassion, and innovation that define “Ms. Jamerson’s impact on our school has
Wisconsin’s most outstanding assistant princi- been extraordinary,” said SHS Principal Tim
pals,” said AWSA Executive Director Jim Lynch. Kenney. “Her leadership has shaped a culture
“She empowers students and staff at Shorewood where safety, belonging, and achievement go
High School to thrive, and we are honored to hand in hand. She has empowered both staff and
recognize her as our 2026 High School Associ- students to lead with empathy and excellence. I
ate Principal of the Year.” am thrilled to see her recognized at the state level
During her tenure as associate princi- in this way.”
pal, Jamerson helped design and implement a “Amanda Jamerson is an exceptional
Restorative Actions Framework that reduced leader,” said Shorewood School District Super-
office discipline referrals by 69 percent over intendent Dr. Laurie Burgos. “She elevates
three years, while deepening student under- student achievement and wellbeing by cultivat-
standing of empathy and accountability. She also ing relationships built on trust, dignity, and care.
co-launched a comprehensive cell phone policy As a thoughtful collaborator, Amanda empowers
Left to Right: Stuart Russ, AWSA Board President, Tim Kenney, Principal, Shorewood High that promotes digital balance and has resulted in others, strengthens teams, and nurtures a culture
School, Amanda Jamerson, APOY, Dr. Laurie Burgos, Superintendent, Shorewood School Dis- improved classroom focus and fewer peer con- in which every student and staff member feels
trict and Yari Rodriguez, Director of Urban Leadership, AWSA. flicts. valued. This recognition reflects Amanda’s com-
As the school’s Building Equity Lead, mitment and the positive impact she makes every
The Association of Wisconsin School School, Jamerson has served as a strong leader in Jamerson also founded the school’s Equity Lead- single day in the Shorewood School District.”
Administrators has recognized Amanda Jamer- cultivating a restorative, equitable, and innova- ership Team, delivering professional learning
son as its 2026 Wisconsin High School Associate tive school culture that prioritizes the wellbeing and coaching that has helped integrate cultur-
Principal of the Year. The announcement was and success of every student and staff member. ally responsive practices across classrooms. She
made during a surprise ceremony at her school. She has also led initiatives that have transformed co-led the African American Youth Initiative, shorewood.k12.wi.us
As associate principal at Shorewood High the school climate, improved student outcomes, a regional program that supports mentorship,