Date:  September 6, 2002
Contact: Irene Cromer
(703) 791-8720

The Washington Post Company Educational Foundation has announced its Distinguished Educational Leadership Award program for the 2002-2003 school year.  An effective manager, a leader who is creative and innovative, an educator who is on top of developments in the field of education and continues to play an active role in the classroom, a communicator who maintains a dialogue with teachers, students and parents and encourages team spirit – if your principal meets these criteria and others required for selection as Prince William County’s Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leader, consider requesting a nomination packet from the school division’s Community Relations Office, 703-791-8720, or e-mail saccocam@pwcs.edu.  The deadline for nominations is Monday, September 30, 2002.  The award is given to outstanding principals in Prince William County and other areas served by the Washington Post.  Last year, Prince William County’s award recipient was Edward Doyle, Principal of New Dominion Alternative School in Manassas.

Nominees must have a minimum of five years experience as a principal, three of which must be in the Prince William County School division.  The nominee’s school must have demonstrated continuous improvement as defined by the school’s academic targets/performance standards over the past three years.  Anyone who has won the award during the last five years is 
not eligible for nomination.  Principals may not nominate themselves.  However, principals previously nominated, but not selected, may be nominated again.  

Nominations may be submitted by teachers, parents, community members, former students and others, but must be approved by the principal’s area associate superintendent.  Nominators are required to complete the application on the official form or a photocopy of the form.  No supplemental materials, such as videos or samples of students’ work, will be accepted.  The form provides space for four supporting statements in addition to a statement of support from the principal’s area associate superintendent.  Please see the nomination packet for complete instructions. For more information, contact the Community Relations Office, 
703-791-8720, or e-mail saccocam@pwcs.edu.