The Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP) recognizes excellent principal leadership each year. MAESP participates in the National Association of Elementary Schools (NAESP) National Distinguished Principals program that recognizes outstanding elementary and middle school level principals from across the nation.
In Missouri, the MAESP recognizes outstanding new leaders in their first three years with the MAESP Exemplary New Principal Award and high achieving assistant principals with the MAESP Outstanding Assistant Principal Award. All recognitions were held in conjunction with the annual MAESP Leadership Conference held at Tan-Tar-A March 3-6, 2018.
Mr. Steve Waigand, Elementary Principal at Rock Port R-II School, was recognized as the Northwest Exemplary New Principal of the Year for his passion and leadership over the past school year.
Mr. Waigand embodies everything you would desire in a building level administrator. He is very passionate about learning, places an emphasis every day on building positive relationships with staff and students, and is steadfast in his belief in the potential of every child. Mr. Waigand has done an outstanding job of providing support for the implementation of new curriculum, creating an environment of innovation, building positive relationships with members of our community, and participating in our students’ activities outside the daily schedule. He goes above and beyond the call of duty for our school.
“Under the guidance of Mrs. Jamie Evans and Mr. Steve Waigand, our elementary has reached national recognition for excellence in academic achievement by being named a National Blue Ribbon School. His continued focus on providing time/resources for teachers, emphasis on collaboration, and belief in our students will ensure our tradition of excellence continues in the future,” stated Superintendent of the Rock Port R-II School District, Craig Walker. “It has been an honor and a privilege to work alongside such a positive dedicated leader. I would like to congratulate Mr. Steve Waigand for being recognized as MAESP Northwest Exemplary New Principal of the Year. Thank you for your service to our students and community. This is an honor that is well deserved.”