Some students have lost their mother, while others live apart from her due to divorce, incarceration, military deployment, or other complex circumstances.
“As a principal, you’re everything to everyone,” Clarence says. “Our children are our most precious jewels. We have to treasure them. Students need leaders who are passionate about their growth and who hold themselves and other educators accountable.”
School leaders from across the country gathered on Capitol Hill last week, bringing urgent concerns about student mental health, school safety, and educator support directly to federal lawmakers. AFSA members met with members of Congress and their staff, where they shared firsthand experiences from their schools and communities and advocated for stronger federal support in key areas impacting student success.
In the first week of April, the White House released its proposed FY27 budget, outlining top line goals, selected program increases, and proposed eliminations. The proposal marks the beginning of the FY27 appropriations process, which will move to Congress following the April recess.
“At the core of everything, we have to ground ourselves in the understanding that we’re working with children — and that leading with empathy must always come first.”
Twenty-nine school leaders from across the nation have been recognized by the National Association of Elementary School Principals as part of the 2026 class of National Outstanding Assistant Principals, highlighting the critical role assistant principals play in supporting students, staff, and school communities.
