NASS presents the award annually to a superintendent who has shown tremendous effort and dedication to enriching the lives of children and the community as a whole. Each year, the Superintendent of the Year is recognized for their strong leadership, creativity in successfully meeting the needs of students, communication skills, professionalism, community involvement and the success of students that has taken place during their tenure.

​

Mr. Else, will have the opportunity to participate in The AASA National Superintendent of the Year® program, which is open to all U.S. superintendents who plan to continue in the profession. The program also honors Canadian and other international school superintendents. The applicants will be measured against the following criteria:

​

• Leadership for learning – creativity in successfully meeting the needs of students in the school system;

• Communication – strength in both personal and organizational communication;

• Professionalism – constant improvement of administrative knowledge and skills while providing professional development opportunities and motivation to others on the education team; and

• Community involvement – active participation in local community activities and an understanding of regional, national, and international issues.

​

A $10,000 college scholarship will be presented in the name of the 2025 AASA National Superintendent of the Year® to a student in the high school from which the superintendent graduated or the school now serving the same area.

​

The AASA National 2026 Superintendent of the Year will be named during their February 12-14, 2026, National Conference on Education.