LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Unified School District announced Olivia Flores-Torres of Panorama City Elementary School as Principal of the Year, Alejandro Oropeza of Thomas Jefferson High School as Assistant Principal of the Year, and Juan Puentes from John Marshall High School as the first place recipient of the Principals Innovation Award in a ceremony Thursday night. These recognitions honor their outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to students, staff and school communities across the District.
The honors were announced during the District’s second annual Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year recognition event, which celebrates school leaders who exemplify excellence, innovation and dedication in service of student success. The recognition also coincides with National School Principals Day on May 1, a day to celebrate the vital role school leaders play in fostering positive learning environments and supporting student achievement.
“Across Los Angeles Unified, our principals and assistant principals are leading with purpose, compassion and an unwavering commitment to student success,” Acting Superintendent Andrés E. Chait said. “These honorees exemplify the very best of our District. They set the example in creating strong, inclusive school communities and ensuring every student is supported, challenged and prepared for the future.”
Flores-Torres brings more than two decades of experience to her role, leading with a strong focus on instructional excellence, collaboration and equitable outcomes for all students. Her work has centered on building a cohesive school community while driving measurable academic gains through data-informed practices.
Oropeza’s leadership is grounded in equity, family partnership and student-centered decision-making. At Thomas Jefferson High School, he has led key efforts in school safety, culture and operational systems, while advancing inclusive practices and strengthening supports for students across multiple school communities.
Puente’s innovation, Marshall High School’s Strategic Enrollment & Visibility Pipeline, redefines school recruitment through a proactive, year-round system that blends feeder school partnerships, targeted program recruitment, and campus immersion experiences. This innovative model intentionally builds student and family connection early, creating authentic pathways into the school while strengthening enrollment, school culture, and long-term sustainability.
In addition to naming the District’s top honorees, Los Angeles Unified recognized 15 principal finalists and 11 assistant principal finalists, selected through a nomination and review process that included input from colleagues, students and families. The event also recognized the 3 District finalists for the Principal Innovation Award.
"Congratulations to all the administrators who were nominated and those who won the Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year Awards," said LAUSD Board President Scott M. Schmerelson. "Recognizing the hard work and dedication of our principals and assistant principals is a standard in our district. We want to ensure that all our administrators feel seen and heard for their tremendous leadership both inside their schools and in their respective communities. I also want to give a special shoutout to my Board District 3 administrators, Alejandra Ayala of Superior Street Elementary School, Sandra Bennett of Sylvan Park Elementary School, Maria Silva of Dixie Canyon Community Charter, and Matthew Skoll of Chandler Elementary School. You have made Board District 3 very proud. Congratulations to all our administrators, and thank you for the work you do every day.”
“These outstanding leaders exemplify the very best of Los Angeles Unified,” Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill said. “We proudly celebrate Olivia Flores-Torres, Alejandro Oropeza, and Juan Puentes for their exceptional achievements, and we also recognize Board District 1 finalists Linda Beck and Dr. Angelique Sims for their remarkable leadership and dedication to their school communities.”
“Congratulations to our award-winning principals, assistant principals, and all the finalists honored this year—and a special shoutout to BD4 finalists Katherine Choe of Mar Vista Elementary and Linda Kaye-Crowder of Rosewood STEM Magnet!” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of our wonderful school leaders, who support our kids and keep our school communities running smoothly.”
"Congratulations to our LAUSD Principal of the Year, Olivia Flores-Torres of Panorama City Elementary, a wonderful principal in Board District 6!” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “I know Principal Flores-Torres to be a strong, collaborative leader who brings excitement and positivity to her work every day. My congratulations also to all the principals and assistant principals honored for their incredible dedication, skill, and thoughtful leadership of our schools."
“Board District 7 has incredible schools with extraordinary school leaders, showcased by our finalists: Principals Jenaro Torres of Andrew Carnegie Middle School and Lisa Smith of 122nd Street Elementary and Assistant Principals Salwa Gibson of Andrew Carnegie Middle School, Sharon Laney Agu of Dorothy V. Johnson Community Day School and Agnes Pitlik of Phineas Banning High School,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners. Your dedication and passion represents the excellence, creativity, and innovation that define LA Unified every day.
Los Angeles Unified congratulates all finalists and honorees for their leadership, vision and tireless commitment to the communities they serve.
FINALISTS FOR PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
- Elizabeth Ackerman-Hicks of Girls Academic Leadership Academy
- Linda Beck of Castle Heights Elementary School
- Sandra Bennett of Sylvan Park Elementary School
- Jennifer Casillas of Nava College Preparatory Academy
- Katherine Choe of Mar Vista Elementary School
- Luis Cuevas of 1st Street Elementary School
- Olivia Flores-Torres of Panorama City Elementary School
- Manuela Hernandez of Alfonso B. Perez SEC CTC School
- Linda Kaye-Crowder of Rosewood STEM Magnet
- Ani Nicholas of Pinewood Avenue Early Education Center
- Scarlett Ramirez Holguin of Anton Early Education Center
- Matthew Skoll of Chandler Elementary School
- Lisa Smith of 122nd Street Elementary School
- Jenaro Torres of Andrew Carnegie Elementary School
- Amy Trinidad of Mission Continuation High School
FINALISTS FOR ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
- Salwa Gibson of Andrew Carnegie Middle School
- Rebekah Kang of RFK UCLA Community School
- Sharon Laney Agu of Dorothy V. Johnson Community Day School
- Julie Lee of Murchison Street Elementary School
- Lusine Martirosyan of Plummer Elementary School
- Alejandro Oropeza of Thomas Jefferson High School
- Agnes Pitlik of Phineas Banning High School
- Maria Silva of Dixie Canyon Community Charter
- Dr. Angelique Sims of Computer Science Virtual Academy
- Laura Tabachnick of Glenwood Elementary School
- Veronica Torres of James A. Garfield High School
FINALISTS FOR PRINCIPAL INNOVATION AWARDS
- Alejandra Ayala of Superior Street Elementary School
- Gustavo Ortiz of Ascot Avenue Elementary School
- Juan Puentes of John Marshall High School
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