Finalists Named for AASA’s 2025 National Superintendent of the Year® Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Erin McCallum
Associate Executive Director, Strategy & Communications
emccallum@aasa.org

Honorees include superintendents from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida and Illinois

Alexandria, Va. – Dec. 16, 2024 – AASA, The School Superintendents Association, is proud to announce the four finalists for the prestigious 2025 National Superintendent of the Year^® Award.

This award, co-presented by AASA, Corebridge Financial, and Sourcewell, recognizes exceptional superintendents for their outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing public education in their communities.

The finalists for the 2025 award are:

• Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, Peoria Public School District 150, Ill.
• Walter B. Gonsoulin, Jr., Jefferson County Schools, Ala.
• Debbie Jones, Bentonville School District, Ark.
• David K. Moore, School District of Indian River County, Fla.

“These extraordinary leaders embody the transformative power of public education,” said David R. Schuler, AASA’s executive director. “Their visionary leadership is creating dynamic opportunities for students, uplifting communities, and advancing the promise of public education as the foundation of our democracy. We are honored to celebrate their achievements.”

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.

“Leadership in education is essential to shaping the future, and these finalists exemplify the best of what is possible,” said Terri Fiedler, president of retirement services at Corebridge Financial. “We are proud to partner with AASA in honoring these inspiring superintendents and their commitment to making a difference for students, educators and families.”

“At Sourcewell, we recognize the critical role superintendents play in driving meaningful change in their communities,” said Chad Coauette, executive director and CEO of Sourcewell. “We are honored to partner with AASA in celebrating these finalists, whose tireless work ensures every student has access to a high-quality education.”

Their visionary leadership is creating dynamic opportunities for students, uplifting communities, and advancing the promise of public education as the foundation of our democracy.

The four finalists will have an opportunity to meet the national education community during a press conference on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

The 2025 National Superintendent of the Year^® will be announced live during AASA’s National Conference on Education, March 6-8 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

A $10,000 college scholarship will be presented in the name of the 2025 National Superintendent of the Year^® 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 AASA’s website or contact Jennifer Rooney, AASA senior director, meetings and awards, at jrooney@aasa.org.

Access a complete list of the 2025 State Superintendents of the Year, awarded independently by each state association, here.

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About AASA
AASA, The School Superintendents Association, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA’s 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 $410 billion in assets under management and administration as of September 30, 2024, 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 corebridgefinancial.com and follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.

About Sourcewell
Sourcewell partners with K-12 schools across North America to deliver streamlined procurement solutions that support student success. With access to hundreds of competitively awarded contracts, schools can efficiently purchase technology, classroom supplies, transportation, and professional development resources while saving time and money. Our trusted cooperative purchasing process ensures compliance and transparency, with contracts delivered through local dealers to strengthen communities. From modernizing classrooms to enhancing student well-being, Sourcewell empowers schools to create enriching learning environments. Focus on what matters most—empowering students—while we handle the procurement process with care and expertise. Learn more at sourcewell-mn.gov/k-12-education.