2025 Wisconsin Elementary School Principal of the Year Samuel KarnsThe Association of Wisconsin School Administrators has named Samuel Karns as the 2025 Elementary School Principal of the Year.
Karns serves as principal of Todd Elementary School, a 4K-5th grade building in the School District of Beloit. In just three years, he has guided the school from a “fails to meet expectations” rating to “meets expectations” on the State Report Card. His leadership style centers on service and shared accountability, creating a culture where all staff, students, and families are empowered to succeed together. Additionally, Karns has embedded a continuous improvement cycle into the school’s leadership structure, using 100-day plans and data-informed decision making to identify needs and drive change. His efforts have expanded tiered supports for social-emotional learning, increased student engagement, and raised attendance by 2.7 percent year over year. “As a principal, Mr. Karns leads with heart, purpose, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every student,” said Superintendent Dr. Willie E. Garrison II. “His commitment to educational equity, community partnership, and continuous improvement has transformed Todd Elementary into a thriving, student-centered school. Mr. Karns is a model for what strong, servant leadership looks like in action." Karns holds a master’s degree in education from Texas A&M University and a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He has also been an active member of the NAACP, AWSA, HEAR (Health Equity Alliance of Rock County), and the Beloit Back to School CommUNITY Health Fair Planning Committee. “On behalf of AWSA, we would like to congratulate Samuel Karns on earning the 2025 Wisconsin Elementary Principal of the Year award,” said AWSA Executive Director Jim Lynch. “His vision, collaborative approach, and commitment exemplify the work of elementary school leaders across the state. This is a well-deserved honor for a truly dedicated school leader.” 2025 Wisconsin Middle School Principal of the Year Luke SpielmanThe Association of Wisconsin School Administrators has named Luke Spielman as its 2025 Middle School Principal of the Year.
From left: Jim Lynch, Executive Director, AWSA, Deb Janke, AWSA Board President, Luke Spielman Spielman serves as principal of Park View Middle School in the Mukwonago Area School District (MASD). There, he has focused on fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and empowerment, while prioritizing relationship building and trust. He has led strategic efforts to restructure the school schedule, extend instructional time, and create protected collaboration periods for teachers, which have directly improved student outcomes. “Mr. Spielman is the kind of principal every community hopes for—thoughtful, strategic, and relentlessly student focused,” said MASD Superintendent Dr. Joe Koch. “Under his leadership, Park View Middle School has become a place where students are challenged, supported, and inspired to grow. The impact of his leadership is visible not just in data, but also in the culture he has cultivated at the school.” Spielman cultivates leadership among staff and students, establishing structures like the Guiding Coalition and student government. He also extends his impact regionally, facilitating a professional network of 44 area middle school principals and teaching graduate-level education courses. Before becoming Park View’s principal in 2018, Spielman served as an associate principal in the Watertown Unified School District, and he began his career in education as a social studies teacher. He holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Marian University and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Wisconsin. “On behalf of AWSA, I am thrilled to congratulate Luke Spielman on being named the 2025 Wisconsin Middle School Principal of the Year,” said AWSA Executive Director Jim Lynch. “He leads with heart and vision, empowering staff and students alike to reach their full potential. He exemplifies the work that school leaders do every day.” 2025 Wisconsin High School Principal of the Year Dr. Brian Cox
The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators has named Dr. Brian Cox as its 2025 High School Principal of the Year.
From left: Deb Janke, AWSA Board President, Dr. Tremayne Clardy, Superintendent, Verona Area School District, Dr. Cox is the principal of Verona Area High School. Known for transparency, servant leadership, and a commitment to equity, he has impacted the school by developing coherent systems that support all learners—especially those traditionally underserved. Under Dr. Cox’s leadership, VAHS has supported efforts like the Hope Team, Wildcat Academy, and schoolwide AVID implementation. These programs have contributed to measurable gains when it comes to student perceptions of safety, reduced disciplinary incidents, and expanded access to advanced coursework through Equal Opportunity Schools and AP enrollment. This has helped the school earn an AP Silver recognition. “We are thrilled that Dr. Cox has been honored with the 2025 Principal of the Year award,” said Superintendent Dr. Tremayne Clardy. “In his time at VAHS, he has proven himself a truly dedicated and dynamic leader, with a style that empowers students, staff, and families. This award is an enormous point of pride for our entire school community, and a well-deserved honor for a highly skilled educational leader who always acts in the best interests of the students he serves.” At VAHS, Dr. Cox has established advisory councils and restructured leadership teams into collaborative, data-driven units focused on continuous improvement. His advocacy extends beyond the building, as he has become a national voice for education policy through his work with NASSP and advocacy efforts at the federal level. “On behalf of AWSA, I would like to congratulate Dr. Brian Cox for his selection as the 2025 High School Principal of the Year,” said AWSA Executive Director Jim Lynch. “He is a great representative of the extraordinary work school leaders do every day throughout our state.” Prior to his time at VAHS, Dr. Cox was principal of Johnson Junior High School in Laramie, Wyoming. He also has experience as an assistant principal and associate principal. He began his career in education as a high school science teacher. Dr. Cox holds an Ed.D. in educational leadership from Edgewood College and a master’s degree in space studies (curriculum and instruction) from the University of Colorado. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry secondary education from the University of Wyoming. Supported by the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation, the Principal of the Year award recognizes school leaders who have helped drive student learning, foster instructional collaboration, and create safe and positive school environments. Recipients are selected based on their dedication to professional excellence, leadership skills and service to their communities. |
From left: Deb Janke, AWSA Board President, Samuel Karns and Jim Lynch, AWSA Executive Director
