The J.O. Combs Unified School District announced this week that Laura Ridge, principal of Combs Middle School, has been selected as the recipient of the Arizona School Administrators (ASA) Distinguished Administrator Award for the Middle School division.
Award recipients are selected annually and are recognized by their peers and ASA affiliate members for providing outstanding service to their division, ASA and profession.
"Principal Ridge has excelled in developing connections and a sense of belonging for her middle school students. Her innovative approaches have promoted ownership for her students and a focus on celebrating student success, fostering school spirit, and promoting excellence," said Dr. Tim Fountain, district director of leadership and learning, when describing her noteworthy contributions as a nominee. "In addition, Principal Ridge has been a driving force in the implementation of our district #Forward initiative that fosters a student-centered and transparent learning environment. She has worked with the curriculum and instruction team to implement instructional rounds with her staff to bolster student achievement and to ensure a well-rounded learning experience for her students. She is most deserving of this recognition and we are proud to see her celebrated for her exemplary leadership."
Selection criteria for the Distinguished Administrator Award includes:
- Producing a positive climate, high morale among students, staff and colleagues, and improved educational programs and student achievement.
- Moving successfully to implement the philosophy and goals of the school/district.
- involving the community in the life of the school/district and builds community support for education.
- Involvement in community services outside contractual obligations.
- Involvement in professional growth education and membership in professional associations.
Ridge has been with the J.O. Combs Unified School District for nearly 15 years, nine of which have been spent leading and serving Combs Middle School. She will be formally recognized for this award during the Arizona School Administrators Summer Conference Awards in June.
The mission of Arizona School Administrators is to promote and support educational excellence in school leadership. Arizona School Administrators seeks to honor outstanding Arizona administrators for their professionalism, dedication, leadership and exemplary contributions to education in Arizona.
For more information about the J.O. Combs Unified School District, visit jocombs.org or call 480-987-5300.
