The finalists for 2025 Superintendent of the Year award from AASA, The School Superintendents Association hail from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida and Illinois.
These leaders were named superintendent of the year by their state association for learning leadership, communication, professionalism and community involvement.
“These extraordinary leaders embody the transformative power of public education,” said David R. Schuler, AASA’s executive director. “Their visionary leadership is creating dynamic opportunities for students, uplifting communities, and advancing the promise of public education as the foundation of our democracy. We are honored to celebrate their achievements.”
The finalists are:
Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, Peoria Public Schools, Illinois
Desmoulin-Kherat has led Peoria Public Schools for 10 years and previously served as associate superintendent of Danville School District 118 and a transformation officer for Springfield Public Schools. She also spent several years as a high school and magnet school principal.
Walter B. Gonsoulin, Jr., Jefferson County Schools, Alabama
Gonsoulin has been an educator for over 30 years and became Jefferson County Schools’ permanent superintendent in 2019. Before that, he was the superintendent of the Fairfield School System in Alabama and an assistant superintendent of the Starkville School District in Mississippi.
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Gonsoulin has also worked as a diversity consultant for districts in the South and Northeast.
Debbie Jones, Bentonville School District, Arkansas.
Jones has led Bentonville Schools fine nine years and previously served as assistant commissioner for learning services at the Arkansas Department of Education. She was also an assistant superintendent for the Bryant School District for seven years and worked as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and secondary director in Pulaski County Special School District.
David K. Moore, School District of Indian River County, Florida
Moore became superintendent of the School District of Indian River County in 2019. He is currently the third longest-serving superintendent in Florida and was named a “Superintendent to Watch 2021” by the National School Public Relations Association. He was previously an assistant superintendent for Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
Here’s a complete list of each state’s 2025 Superintendent of the Year.
