ROGERS, Ark. — A Rogers School District administrator has been named the 2024 Arkansas Association of Middle Level Administrators (AAMLA) Principal of the Year.
After serving Elmwood Middle School for eight years, Principal Molly Davis was selected by the AAMLA for her efforts in "building a positive and collaborative culture centered on the shared belief that all students can learn."
According to the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators (AAEA), Davis has embraced a collaborative spirit among the students with the concept of Professional Learning Communities (PLC), which has since "become a cornerstone of Elmwood's approach."
"Mrs. Davis's commitment to continuous improvement is evident in the strategic initiatives implemented at Elmwood," Rogers Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Perry said. "From restructuring reading programs to adopting new instructional models, the school has undertaken measures to enhance student performance. The dedication to professional development, coaching cycles, and fostering a high-performing Professional Learning Community has ensured that effective practices reach every student."
The AAEA says they typically award administrators who have exhibited "exceptional leadership skills."
"Mrs. Davis demonstrates all of the characteristics and traits of a highly effective administrator. She has established high expectations for her school, staff, and students," Rogers Public Schools Superintendent Charles Lee said. "Elmwood has grown tremendously during her leadership and is one of our highest-achieving schools. In addition to possessing high expectations, Mrs. Davis is relentless in her efforts to ensure staff have access to everything they need to be successful."
A fellow Rogers middle school administrator has also commended Davis' leadership and maintains that Elmwood has flourished while she has been principal.
"In her role as principal of Elmwood Middle School, she has consistently demonstrated the ability to set and maintain high standards in the areas of instruction, student achievement, character development, and climate within the school community," Ileana Davis, assistant principal at Kirksey Middle School, said. "Elmwood has flourished as a place of academic excellence and personal growth for students and staff."
The award, which is sponsored by the Curriculum Associates, was presented to Davis at Elmwood on April 16. AAEA Assistant Executive Director Mike Mertens, AAEA Director of Learning Services and Operations Lenett Thrasher, AAMLA President Jason Brunner, and Curriculum Associates Arkansas Sales Consultants Harry Dickens and Alice Shirley presented the award.
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