Washington’s Jackson Earns Regional Principal Honor

Amanda Jackson, principal of Washington Elementary School, was surprised Thursday morning with news that she has been named the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals 2026 Exemplary New Principal for MAESP’s Central Region.

Becky Drummond, elementary/middle school principal for the Slater School District and MAESP Central Region president, presented Jackson with a plaque and flowers during a morning assembly at Washington.

Also in attendance were district superintendents and Jackson’s Sedalia 200 elementary school principal peers, including Stephanie Jackson of Parkview, Sara Pannier of Horace Mann and Angie Meyer of Heber Hunt.

The Exemplary New Principal recognition is for those who have been building principals more than one year and not more than three years; demonstrating a commitment to building excellence in the school community; developing programs designed to meet the needs of all students; and developing firm ties to parents and the community.

In her letter nominating Amanda Jackson for the honor, Stephanie Jackson wrote: “In only her second year leading a Title I building with an 89% free-and-reduced lunch rate, Mrs. Jackson has demonstrated exceptional leadership, a relentless passion for education, and a deep commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive school culture. … Her leadership is warm, visible, and deeply student-centered. She works tirelessly to ensure that Washington is a place where students feel safe, supported, and challenged academically.”

The 11 regional honorees will be recognized at the annual MAESP Leadership Conference in the spring.

Cutline: 200 Becky Drummond, elementary/middle school principal for the Slater School District and Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals Central Region president, left, presents Washington Elementary School Principal Amanda Jackson with the 2026 Exemplary New Principal award for MAESP’s Central Region.