Three Idaho secondary principals were named winners of the annual Idaho Association of School Administrators leadership awards.
The winners are:
- Outstanding secondary school principal, high school level: Conrad Underdahl, Lakeland High School.
- Outstanding secondary school principal, middle school level: Kim Keaton, Sandpoint Middle School.
- Outstanding secondary school assistant principal: Heath Jackson, Hillcrest High School, Bonneville School District.
All three are now eligible for national recognition by the National Secondary School Principals Association.
Here are excerpts from their winning nominations:
Conrad Underdahl
As the principal of Lakeland High School, Conrad’s energy, tenacity, and leadership have created a school of excellence in academics, community service, and pride. He is a keen practitioner of systems thinking. He recognizes that leadership is not the same as management. His behavior communicates the importance of the mission, values and goals of the district on a daily basis. — Dr. Mary Ann Ranells, superintendent of Lakeland School District.
Kim Keaton
Kim is in a unique position in which he implements highly effective transition plans at both the sixth grade level as students enter seventh grade and at the eighth grade level as students leave for ninth grade. He collaborates with six elementary administrators and three high school administrators each year in creating the most welcoming environment for the middle school students as well as sending the eighth grade students to high school prepared. Kim truly cares about all students’ success as he creates the inclusive environment. — Tom Albertson, assistant principal, Sandpoint High School.
Heath Jackson
Teachers know that when they bring teaching concerns and student issues to Heath, he will help in finding resolutions. He encourages teachers to collaborate, try new ideas, and explore solutions while offering his support. Teachers respect his knowledge, integrity and support. — Elisa Saffle, assistant principal, Hillcrest High School
