Strengthening Schools Through Leadership: 2026 Women in School Leadership Award Winners Recognized

Caption: Women in School Leadership Awards at the 2026 AASA National Conference on Education. Left to right: Tiffany Bartolazzi, Horace Mann; Crystal Turner, superintendent, Saddleback Valley Unified School District (Calif.), Myriam Rogers, superintendent, Baltimore County Public Schools (Md.), Janeen Peretin, assistant to the superintendent, Baldwin-Whitehall School District (Pa.), Mary Decker, associate director of schools for teaching and learning, Franklin Special District (Tenn)

Strong leadership is essential to building strong schools, and Horace Mann and AASA, The School Superintendents Association, recognized two educators who are part of that foundation with the 2026 AASA Women in School Leadership Awards.

Horace Mann's Tiffany Bartolazzi announced the award recipients at the 2026 AASA National Conference on Education recently held in Nashville, Tennessee.

  • Central Office/Principal: Janeen Peretin, Assistant to the Superintendent, Baldwin-Whitehall School District (Pa.)
  • Superintendent: Myriam Rogers, Superintendent, Baltimore County Public Schools (Md.)

Finalists included Mary Decker, Associate Director of Schools for Teaching and Learning, Franklin Special District (Tenn.), and Crystal Turner, Superintendent, Saddleback Valley Unified School District (Calif.).

"I am honored to recognize these incredible women and the value they bring to education each and every day," Bartolazzi said. "Their deep compassion for their craft, unwavering dedication to their students, and thoughtful leadership not only shape the future of our schools, but also nurture the growth, confidence, and success of the communities they so passionately serve."

Award finalists were evaluated on their leadership in advancing student learning needs, organizational and communication strength, dedication to continuous professional growth, and impactful community involvement.

Sponsored by Horace Mann, the Women in School Leadership Awards reflect the company's long-standing commitment to supporting educators and advancing excellence in public education leadership. By recognizing exceptional women administrators, Horace Mann and AASA help reinforce leadership pathways that strengthen school culture, inspire innovation, and build lasting community impact.