David McClure, who serves as the principal of Woodland Jr. High School, was named the 2025 Principal of the Year by the Arkansas Association of Middle Level Administrators (AAMLA) in an assembly today at the school. Dr. Mike Hernandez, executive director of the
Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators (AAEA); Lennett Thrasher, AAEA assistant executive director; Molly David and Jason Brunner, AAMLA board members; and Tammy Carmical with Lifetouch surprised Mr. McClure with the award.
The award is given each year to an Arkansas middle level principal who has succeeded in contributing to a positive and motivating environment for others and has been recognized as exhibiting exceptional leadership skills in the school community.
“Mr. McClure is a strong instructional leader,” said Dr. Kristina Hudson, Executive Director of Secondary Education for Fayetteville Public Schools. “His school’s test scores are consistently at the highest levels in the state, but beyond that, they consistently grow students at Woodland. His humble nature causes him to give credit to everyone except himself, but the truth is that his skill at providing actionable feedback to teachers, providing them with the support they need to thrive, his connection to families, and his admonishment to keep students at the forefront, contribute to these test scores.”
Congratulations, Mr. McClure!!