The process of nominating a candidate for the Outstanding Principal Award begins through each school's awards liaison. The awards liaison at each school has information about the nomination process and deadlines. 

Any FCPS employee or community member can nominate a new principal for this award, but employees may not nominate themselves. Eligible candidates must currently work as an elementary, middle, secondary, or high school principal in FCPS, have completed at least three full years as principal (experience in an acting capacity does not meet the requirements), and be aware of and in agreement with this nomination. 

Award Criteria 

Nominees are new principals who:

• Earn the respect of their staff and students, inspire excellence and creativity, and provide an innovative vision for the future of the school.
• Establish meaningful relationships throughout the educational system and community and foster a collaborative school culture that emphasizes working together within the common framework of strong educational values.
• Maintain a continuous and open dialogue with students and parents as well as faculty and staff and consider a variety of feedback and ideas when making decisions.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field of education.
• Continue to play an active role in the classroom, the lunchroom, the hallway, at morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal.
• Create an environment in which staff and students can flourish and grow.
• Foster an environment where diversity in all of its forms is valued and appreciated and demonstrate keeping equity at the center of their work.

The Selection Process

Schools nominating their principal for this award will submit nomination packets directly to the Region level, where finalists for the annual FCPS Outstanding Principal are selected. Finalists move on to the Leadership Team level where the annual FCPS Outstanding Principal is selected. 

Awards and Recognition

All honorees will be recognized. The annual FCPS Outstanding Principal will be announced at the FCPS Honors event and will receive $4000. In recognition of collaborative teamwork, the FCPS award winners and their colleagues will also receive a celebration at their worksite.

Questions and More Information

Please contact the school's awards liaison with questions or visit the Outstanding Employee Awards web page.