Paying tribute to leading women educators

February 23, 2024

Horace Mann honored outstanding women school leaders at the 2024 National Conference on Education, hosted by AASA, The School Superintendents Association.

Horace Mann National Business Solutions Executive Kelly Ruwe announced the winners of the AASA Women in School Leadership Awards at the event:

• Superintendent Award: Deborah Wortham, superintendent of Roosevelt Union Free School District in Roosevelt, N.Y.
• Central Office/Principal Award: Romy Decristofaro, assistant superintendent of student services in the Evanston/Skokie School District 65 in Evanston, Ill.

Finalists were Kimberly Carter, superintendent, Battle Creek Public Schools, Battle Creek, Mich. and Liann Hanson, director of standards-based instruction, Fargo Public Schools, Fargo, N.D.

“One of the highlights of the conference is recognizing these women and their remarkable achievements, and celebrating the significant contributions of women leaders from across the country,” said Ruwe. “This conference offers the opportunity to spend time with amazing leaders and together, we are breaking barriers, driving change, and shaping a more inclusive and equitable future.”

AASA’s Women in School Leadership group pays tribute to the talent, creativity and vision of outstanding women educational administrators in the nation’s public schools. The groups aims to create more pathways for talented women who wish to further their professional development and grow their careers. The Women in School Leadership awards, sponsored by Horace Mann, support this goal by highlighting outstanding female role models.