2023 AASSP Secondary School Principal of The Year: Michelle Spillane | April 2023

 

 

North Pole High School Principal Michelle Spillane has been named Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) Region 6 Principal of The Year for 2023. Principal Spillane has served at North Pole High School in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District the last three years.

 

AASSP sponsors regional and statewide Principal of The Year recognition awards to honor the educational leaders who play such a pivotal role in student success. They may be nominated by anyone – students, staff, parents, district office staff or principal peers - with awards finalized by AASSP members in their region. Regional Principals of The Year are eligible to be in the running for the statewide Alaska Principal of The Year. 

 

Good leadership changes culture, and Principal Spillane has shifted the culture of North Pole High School in a positive way. Teachers and staff share that when guests visit the building they notice something is different. 

 

North Pole High staff shared that Principal Spillane, "Is a natural leader, intuitive, empathetic, and good-humored." She has new ideas she shares with teachers, and offers encouragement and instruction to students, as well as staff, empowering them to become better.

 

"Students can trust her, staff seek her knowledge and she is eager to see everyone's ideas and efforts to improve student learning." 

 

FNSBSD Chief School Administrator Karen Melin said, "Mrs. Spillane's leadership and commitment to students and staff is evident every day as she leads with vision, compassion, and relentless commitment to student success. She brings a calm and steady presence into every situation and tackles each challenge with grace."

 

"Mrs. Spillane is an incredible leader who forges strong relationships with staff and students," said FNSBSD Assistant Superintendent Luke Meinert. "In her short time at North Pole High School, she has brought stability to the administrative team and a renewed, focused vision for success." 

 

Melin congratulated Principal Spillane, saying, "It is a privilege for FNSBSD to have a leader the quality of Mrs. Spillane in our district and am glad she is being recognized state wide as the quality person she is."