California principal Dr. Jacqueline Duncan is among the exemplary elementary and middle-level principals from across the country who were honored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals last month in Washington, D.C.

Duncan, principal of Encinita Elementary School, is one of 39 recipients of the 2026 NAESP National Distinguished Principal award. She represented California during two days of events that culminated in an awards banquet to honor the principals’ accomplishments.

“Principals are the driving force behind thriving school communities,” said NAESP Executive Director Stephanie Morris, in a news release. “The NAESP National Distinguished Principal program recognizes leaders who not only inspire academic achievement but also foster inclusive cultures, support educators, build strong community partnerships, and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.”

As ACSA’s 2025 Elementary Principal of the Year, Duncan was chosen to represent California in the National Distinguished Principal program. ACSA is an affiliate of NAESP.

At Encinita Elementary School, Duncan focuses on creating a school culture where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed. She has elevated Encinita’s Mandarin Dual Language Immersion program by partnering with the California Association of Asian and Pasifika Leaders in Education (CAAPLE) to co-found CAAPLE MELD (Multilingual Excellence and Leadership in Dual Immersion). This groundbreaking statewide network helps strengthen and influence Asian language immersion programs across California by creating a cohesive network of educators who support innovation.

She also continues to enhance Encinita’s Leader in Me and Platinum PBIS culture, fostering student leadership, belonging, and academic success. Encinita’s implementation of Leader in Me helped earn the district the California School Boards Association’s Golden Bell Award in 2025.

Duncan holds an Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California, an M.S. in Applied School Leadership from National University, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

ACSA is requesting that California not participate in the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program.

In a Sept. 18 letter, ACSA formally requested Gov. Gavin Newsom to forgo participation in the federal scholarship tax credit program established by H.R. 1. The program allows individuals to claim a federal income tax credit up to $1,700 for qualified cash contributions to certain public charities that grant scholarships for qualifying elementary and secondary educational expenses.

ACSA maintains that any tax credit benefit would be outweighed by the harmful impact it would have on California’s public school system and the nearly 6 million students who depend on it. The scholarship program disproportionately benefits families whose children already attend private schools, rather than meaningfully expanding access for socio-economically disadvantaged students.

Newsom has until Jan. 1, 2027 to decide if California will participate. ACSA will also engage the next governor’s administration, as state participation is determined annually.

California education leader Thomas Aurelio Davis was among the honorees celebrated during the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents’ annual awards gala, held Oct. 17 in Denver.

With a career spanning K–12 education and nonprofit leadership, Davis brings firsthand insight as a former bilingual science teacher, school administrator, and coach. Having served highly diverse student populations, he understands the challenges educators face and the power of opportunity to change lives. Today, he specializes in connecting education and industry to drive impact at scale. Through his work with organizations like the Network for Educational Access, the Center for Educational Innovation, CALSA, ALAS, Classroom of the Future Foundation, Computers2Kids, Benchmark Education, and Project Tomorrow, he helps build strategic partnerships that expand access to technology, promote equity, and strengthen student outcomes.