Newsroom » LAUSD Board Commemorates October 2026 as National Principals Month

LAUSD Board Commemorates October 2026 as National Principals Month

Los Angeles, CA (Oct. 6, 2026) - LAUSD Board President Scott M. Schmerelson sponsored a resolution that celebrated October as Principals Month in LAUSD. Board Vice President Dr. Rocio Rivas co-sponsored the resolution with Board Members Sherlett Hendy-Newbill, Karla Griego, Nick Melvoin, Tanya Ortiz-Franklin, and Student Board Member Lesly Avila. 
 
The resolution acknowledges the hard work and dedication of LAUSD principals districtwide, recognizing them not only as administrators but community leaders. 
 
“To our LAUSD principals, we owe you a debt of gratitude for your leadership,” said LAUSD Board President Scott M. Schmerelson. “It’s important to remember that principals have a larger role than just overseeing a school. They are also community leaders who attend meetings with parents, stakeholders, and others. However, their work is sometimes underappreciated, and I hope that with this resolution, we remember them throughout the month of October. Happy National Principals Month, LAUSD!” 
 
“Our principals are at the heart of our school communities,” Superintendent Andrés E. Chait said. “They set the tone for a school, support and inspire their educators, build trust with families, and create the conditions where students can learn, grow, and feel that they belong. National Principals Month gives us an opportunity to recognize the leadership, care, and countless decisions our principals make every day on behalf of our students. I am grateful to our principals for leading with purpose, bringing their school communities together, and keeping our focus on the schoolhouse, with our students.”
 
"Our principals and assistant principals are essential to strong school communities," said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas. "They support our students, educators, and families every day, and we must ensure they have the resources and support they need to lead effectively." 
 
“Having spent more than 20 years working on a school campus before becoming a Board Member, I have seen firsthand the dedication, heart, and tremendous responsibility that our school leaders carry every day,” said Board Member Sherlett Hendy-Newbill. “Principals are more than administrators—they are advocates for students, partners to families, supporters of educators, and a steady presence for the entire school community. As a co-sponsor of this resolution, I am proud to recognize National Principals Month and honor our principals and assistant principals for the countless ways they show up for our students and schools.”
 
“Happy Principals Month! Principals serve as vital leaders across our campuses, ensuring our educational communities progress together seamlessly,” said Board Member Karla Griego. “Their role demands dedicated partnerships both internally and externally that create inclusive and welcoming school environments by fostering cohesive school teams while cultivating meaningful trust among families and the surrounding neighborhood.”
 
“I am very excited to celebrate our dedicated principals, the cornerstone of our schools and communities, not only this month, but all year long!” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz-Franklin. “They serve our students and our parents, teachers, faculty, and staff and are constantly working to create an environment that supports every student and leads to their success. Thank you for leading with a heart filled with care and dedication.” 
 
“Our principals are the backbone of our school communities, and every day they’re being asked to do more with fewer resources while continuing to show up for their students, staff, and families,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin. “We are especially grateful for their leadership, creativity, and commitment to making sure every child has what they need to learn and thrive—not just during National Principals Month, but throughout the entire school year.”
 
“Principals aren’t just administrators; they help shape the culture of a school and determine how supported, welcomed, and heard students feel,” said Student Board Member Lesly Avila.
 

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