Norman Public Schools is proud to announce the finalists for the district’s Principal of the Year award, an honor created last year to recognize exceptional school leaders and celebrate their impact across the district. The award is unique in that finalists are nominated by their peers and participate in an interview process with a selection committee.
The winner will be announced at the district’s annual Celebration of Excellence in April 2026.
“Our principals lead with passion, courage, and commitment to our students, staff, and families,” Superintendent Dr. Nick Migliorino said. “They show up every day ready to inspire, support, and lift others, and each of these finalists is a shining example of what exceptional school leadership truly looks like. We are incredibly proud of the work they do for our schools and our community.”
This year’s finalists are:
Dr. Kim Garrett – Norman North High School
With 33 years in education, including 4.5 years with Norman Public Schools, Dr. Kim Garrett is completing her ninth year as a high school principal. She said one of her proudest achievements this year is the school’s strong preliminary report card results.
“Everyone worked so hard last year, and it’s great to see that displayed in our data,” Garrett said. This year, her leadership team is dedicated to strengthening school culture. Garrett said they are working purposefully to make NNHS the absolute best place to teach and work. That starts by creating an environment for the staff that’ll create the very best high school experience for the students.
Garrett said she is motivated by the opportunity to support students during the final stretch of their K–12 journey. “There’s nothing more fulfilling.”
Sara Adams – Truman Elementary School
Now in her 19th year in education, Sara Adams has spent 18 of those years in Norman Public Schools and is in her fifth year as the principal at Truman Elementary. This year, she is most proud of achieving zero certified staff turnover, a milestone she attributes to shared leadership committees, transparency, and the family-like culture at Truman Elementary.
“These elements directly contribute to staff satisfaction and stability, which in turn positively impact student success and strengthen our connection with the community,” Adams said.
Her motivation comes from the joy of experiencing every part of the school day—from the creativity of teachers to the excitement of students selecting new library books. “Championing our students, staff, and families is an honor.”
Amber Bui – Kennedy Elementary School
A lifelong NPS educator, Amber Bui has spent all 26 years of her career in the district and has served as Kennedy Elementary’s principal since 2021. She is most proud of her staff’s collaborative work to strengthen academic support, school culture, and family engagement.
“These achievements reflect our mission to ensure every student who walks through our doors feels known, supported, and capable of success,” Bui said.
She is motivated daily by the people she works alongside. “Our staff is dedicated, compassionate, and committed to doing what’s best for kids. Supporting them energizes me.”
Andrea Crowe – Monroe Elementary School
In her 18th year in education and 10th year with NPS, Andrea Crowe is in her sixth year as the principal at Monroe. She is proud of the continued commitment to what the Monroe community calls “Monroe Magic.”
“The way our school feels, from the front office to the classrooms to dismissal, is foundational for academic growth and social development,” Crowe said.
Her motivation comes from fostering a place where students, staff, and families feel at home. “Children and adults learn best where they feel safe and seen. I strive every day to
create and maintain that environment and be the principal our students, staff, and families deserve."
Traci Kay – Alcott Middle School
Now in her 20th year in education, Traci Kay has spent nearly her entire career with NPS and is in her sixth year as principal at Alcott. She is especially proud of the school’s expanding family-engagement efforts, including newly added fall and spring Literacy Nights.
“Our families play a huge role in middle school, but often it is the hardest time for parents to be engaged since it looks different than elementary school,” Kay said. “Good things happen in our classrooms each day, and we want everyone to know that even when middle schoolers report one-word answers.”
Kay is motivated by the opportunity to shape students’ middle school experience. “I want everyone to feel safe, loved, and ready to learn each day. When teachers feel valued and supported, students thrive.”
Norman Public Schools congratulates all five finalists for their leadership, dedication, and daily impact on the students and staff they serve.