Congratulations to Sarah WIlliams, Principal of Mattie B. Luhr Elementary School, in Jefferson County Public Schools, Louisville, KY!  Sarah is our 2025 National Distinguished Principal recipient and is well-deserving of this honor.  

Sarah was nominated by a colleague who nominated her for her leadership and committed to her school community.  Sarah is completing her sixth year as a school principal, having served previously as an Assistant Principal, Staff Developer, and Teacher at her school.  Her school is a Title 1 school with 545 students.  Among her many accomplishments, Sarah serves on the KY Commissioner’s Principal Advisory Board and as Kentucky’s NAESP State Representative.  In 2023, her school was recognized as an ESEA Distinguished School for its improvement in accountability scores.  She has consistently received an 100% rating from her staff on Principal Trust.  Sarah proudly leads her school ensuring its motto “Every Student Counts. Every Moment Matters” is at the forefront of school improvement efforts.

Sarah’s Supervisor, Dr. Paige Hartstern, states that Sarah leads her school with passion, dedication, and empathy.  She noted that Sarah has “cultivated an academic culture that empowers both students and staff to reach their full potential.”  Additionally, she related that “Luhr Elementary has become a model within the school district, consistently being highlighted for its innovative and impactful instructional practices.”

Sarah will travel to Washington, DC, in the fall to be recognized as our 2026 National Distinguished Principal.  Congratulations, Sarah!