MESPA NDP History

One principal is chosen annually from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Principals representing K-8 schools, Department of Defense Dependents' Schools, and the U.S. Department of State Overseas Schools also are recognized.

The following MESPA principals have been honored with this distinction.
2008, Dr. Gail M. Swor, Bloomington
2007, Jolene Jans Landwer, Coleraine
2006, Diane M. Moeller, St. Cloud
2005, John Ahern, Roseville
2004, Wendie Anderson, Mora                        
2003, James Hoogheem, Osseo                
2002, Gloria Kumagai, St. Paul        
2001, Byron Schwab, Eagan        
2000, Jean Clark, Sauk Rapids                
1999, Mary Endorf, Orono                
1998, Craig Kay, Dassel-Cokato        
1997, Diane Trisko, Rochester
1996, Jeffrey Raison, Minneapolis        
1995, Janet Pladson, Bloomington
1994, Teresa (Teri) Edwards, Minneapolis        
1993, Patricia Erlandson, Edina        
1992, Robert Hurst, Brainerd        
1991, Delores Henderson, Saint Paul                
1990, Lynn Street, Westonka                
1989, Ken Hatch, Slayton        
1988, Kay Douglass, Monticello        
1987, Robert Sande, Rochester        
1986, Roger Gordon, Duluth                        
1985, Robert Ziegler, Rockford                
1984, Arlyn Gunderman, Mounds View

Dr. Gail M. Swor Selected 2008 National Distinguished Principal

Jolene Jans Landwer Selected 2007 National Distinguished Principal

Diane Moeller, 2006 Minnesota National Distinguished Principal

Roseville Principal, John Ahern, 2005 National Distinguished Principal




Mission: The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association is dedicated to promoting and improving education for children and youth, strengthening the role as educational leader for elementary and middle level principals, and collaborating with partners in education to assist in achieving these goals.

Leading schools toward excellence through the MESPA vision to be the premiere resource for preparing today's principals for tomorrow and a strong leading voice for public education.

Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association
1667 North Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108
651.999.7310     MN toll free 800.642.6807    
Fax: 651.999.7311     E-mail: mespa@mespa.net