When they arrive at Buena Vista Arts Academy each morning, students and families are greeted with a smile from Assistant Principal Donny Brubaker. This daily practice is just one way Brubaker makes sure every individual feels a sense of belonging when they set foot on the campus.

Brubaker’s ability to foster a welcoming culture as well as his many efforts to promote student success have earned him recognition as 2026’s Elementary Co-Administrator of the Year.

Brubaker has a key leadership role at Buena Vista Arts Academy, a TK-6th magnet arts school in the Ontario-Montclair School District. He actively participates in scheduling and collaborates with staff to design and refine systems that address diverse academic and social-emotional needs. Additionally, he provides ongoing support for core ELA and math programs, as well as the school’s thriving visual and performing arts (VAPA) program.

Brubaker’s partnerships with VAPA Land, local businesses, and community groups enhance arts programming, school productions, and field trips that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. He also works with parent leaders to strengthen family engagement and foster a shared sense of community. In collaboration with the City of Montclair, Brubaker supports the MAP afterschool program, ensuring continued access to high-quality enrichment and VAPA opportunities.

He participates in weekly professional learning community meetings across all grade levels to analyze formative assessment data, reflect on instructional practices, and design targeted interventions to meet student needs. By dedicating substantial time to this collaborative work, Brubaker ensures instructional decisions are data-driven, equitable, and aligned to student outcomes. His consistent presence in PLCs promotes shared accountability and continuous improvement.

He further demonstrates innovative, student-centered leadership by working directly with students to set academic goals and monitor progress, using individualized incentives to motivate achievement in ELA and math.

A notable example of his leadership is his schoolwide initiative to reduce chronic absenteeism and increase daily attendance. Brubaker motivates students with positive, student-centered incentives, works closely with families, and connects them to resources that support in-class success.

He also organizes inclusive activities that celebrate students’ identities and cultural backgrounds, strengthening engagement and belonging. He maintains the school’s website and social media platforms to provide clear, consistent, and accessible communication for families and the community. Highly visible and approachable, Brubaker ensures that outreach, communication, and engagement foster a welcoming, culturally responsive school community where all students and families feel supported.

An ACSA member since 2008, Brubaker has also served as an ACSA charter leader and has served on school site councils, demonstrating his dedication to effective school leadership.

“Donny Brubaker is deeply and personally invested in the Ontario-Montclair School District, not only as an educational leader, but as a proud product of the district himself. His lifelong connection to the community he serves informs his work and fuels his unwavering commitment to equity, excellence, and student success,” said OMSD Superintendent James Hammond. “In every role, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership grounded in integrity, compassion, and a student-centered mindset.”

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? A long time ago a friend who I taught with early in my career stated that “a principal needs to have a long-term view for the school while the AP has a more day-to-day view to make sure the school runs without skipping a beat.” I have tried to make sure that I always have the little details worked out so my principal can worry about the long-term trajectory of the school.

What are some life hacks that you would recommend for a new administrator? Make sure you take care of your duties as an administrator, but don’t sacrifice your family responsibilities and opportunities for your job. Your family will grow up way too fast and you can never regain that time with them.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? That growing up I chose to play basketball over soccer through high school. I say that because I am 5-foot, 8-inches and I have coached all of my children for the past 15-plus years in soccer.

How has ACSA supported you in your career? When I first became involved with ACSA, I was able to attend events that helped to shape my attitude and path as an administrator. As president of our charter, I was able to bring more membership and recognition of ACSA to OMSD’s administrators and leaders.

The theme for this year’s Leadership Summit is “You Belong Here: Leadership for Every Student.” What does belonging feel like for you, your staff or your students? We have a duty to make every student feel welcome and seen at school each and every day. It starts when they walk onto campus each day. Saying “good morning” or “see you tomorrow” to students can make them feel safe and welcome at school.