The Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals (VASSP) named Marsteller Middle School Principal Lisa Warner as the 2026 Outstanding Middle School Principal of Virginia. 

This honor recognizes a leader who demonstrates exceptional collaboration with teachers and staff to strengthen the school’s educational program, enhance student achievement, foster a positive school climate, and deepen engagement with the school community. 

Photo of Lisa Warner“I believe it's a combination of relationships and trust, focusing on the instructional core, creating strong systems, hiring the best and brightest teachers and staff, and overall presence and dependability throughout the building,” shared Warner. “My inspiration is always the students and doing everything I can to support the adults who are so passionate about their work with them.” 

Warner has served as principal of Marsteller Middle School for eight years. During her tenure, the school implemented a daily morning advisory focused on connection and engagement, as well as a house system designed to foster belonging and positive competition among students and staff. Most recently, Marsteller Middle earned Distinguished status from the Virginia Department of Education, recognizing the school for exceeding state achievement expectations and serving as a model of best practices—an accomplishment Warner shares the school has been working toward for the last few years. 

“Outstanding schools are built on strong leadership, and Lisa Warner demonstrates that every day at Marsteller Middle School,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. LaTanya D. McDade said. “This VASSP honor reflects her commitment to collaboration, excellence, and student success. We are PWCS Proud to recognize her leadership and the positive impact she has on our school community.” 

The organization will present Warner with the award this summer at the 98th Annual Virginia Middle and High School Principals Conference and Exposition. She will also represent Virginia in the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ National Principal of the Year Program.