In recognition of “the importance of principals in ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education,” the U.S. Senate on September 23 passed by unanimous consent S. Res. 277, a bipartisan resolution honoring October 2011 as National Principals Month.

NAESP and the National Association of Secondary School Principals worked collaboratively with Senators Al Franken (D-MN) and Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) on the resolution, which honors and pays tribute to the critical role principals play in our nation’s schools to help every student succeed. Additional Senate cosponsors of this resolution included Senators Daniel Akaka (D-HI), Max Baucus (D-MT), Mark Begich (D-AK), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Mark Warner (D-VA).

NAESP continues to work with Representative Susan Davis (D-CA), sponsor of H. Res 415, a companion resolution recently introduced honoring October 2011 as National Principals Month. However, current Republican leadership in the House of Representatives does not bring celebratory resolutions to the House floor for passage.

October is a particularly fitting month to acknowledge the work of principals. The 2011 National Distinguished Principals program will be held in Washington, D.C., October 20 to 21. The NAESP program, established in 1984, recognizes and celebrates elementary and middle-level principals who set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character, and climate for the students, families, and staffs in their learning communities.

Congratulations to the 2011 class of 61 National Distinguished Principals and to all principals who dedicate themselves to ensuring that America’s children acquire a sound foundation for lifelong learning and achievement.