When Thornton Middle School in Fremont expanded to welcome hundreds of new students and staff, Principal Sherry Strausbaugh rose to the challenge. Her focus on equity, community-building and academic support during Fremont Unified School District’s middle school expansion helped to earn her recognition as ACSA’s 2025 Middle Grades Principal of the Year.

Strausbaugh’s leadership journey spans more than two decades — from elementary physical education teacher to director of certificated personnel — and now principal of Thornton Middle School. Since assuming the role in 2022, she has led initiatives that prioritize student needs, including a robust before- and after-school enrichment program funded through Proposition 28. Offering more than 60 courses each semester, the program provides creative and academic outlets for more than 1,000 students.

Her work to revamp the school’s FLEX intervention program assists students in receiving targeted academic support during the school day, while her adoption of Grading for Equity practices has helped to reduce bias in assessment and improved learning outcomes.

Beyond programs, Strausbaugh has cultivated a safe and welcoming environment through parent nights, student orientations and staff collaboration events — efforts that have strengthened school culture amid rapid growth.

"Sherry is a natural leader in the district," said Fran English, director of special education for Fremont USD. "Other administrators listen to her input and take it to heart. She is highly ethical and always does what she believes is the right thing for students and staff."

What’s your favorite quote on leadership? The quote that resonates most with me is, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” by Mahatma Gandhi. I try hard to live my personal and professional life by those words. I hope that leading by example will inspire my students and staff to do the same.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Sometimes evaluating staff presents its own set of challenges. You often are the one who makes a determination as to whether or not a new employee is able to continue to work in their chosen profession. We can’t take that responsibility lightly. While making this decision regarding new teachers, the best advice I have been given is to ask yourself if you would put your own child in that classroom. If the answer is no, then your decision is made. Every student we serve is someone else’s baby. We have to serve them like we would serve and protect our own child.

What’s your best strategy for work-life balance? I try to leave work at work as much as possible. I work hard when I’m at work and often work long hours. However, when I leave, I use my commute to shift gears and begin focusing on home and family. I make a conscious effort to plan events with my family and have things to look forward to with them.

What are some life hacks that you would recommend for a new administrator? When starting a new position, it’s always best to observe the procedures, culture, and operations of the school before attempting to make any changes. Change should occur in collaboration with your school leaders.

Don’t ever ask someone to do something that you are unwilling to do yourself. You have to be willing to do whatever is necessary to earn the respect of your staff. This may include cleaning a bathroom, covering a class, directing traffic, etc. You do whatever it takes to help ensure the school is running smoothly.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? Most people are often surprised to hear that I started my career as a Physical Education teacher. PE teachers are often underrated.

What made you want to become a school administrator? I was inspired to pursue school administration by my principal when I was teaching. She gave me many leadership opportunities, and I really enjoyed serving students and teachers in those roles. I still find myself thinking back and asking myself what she would have done in certain situations.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome to get where you are? My biggest challenge was working to get the opportunity to show that I could be a successful administrator. Being a female physical education teacher often created challenges when trying to move into a leadership position. I felt as if I often had to work twice as hard in order to get a chance to show that I had the same potential as my male colleagues, who taught more “academic” subjects, to successfully lead a school.

What are you most proud of accomplishing? I am most proud of raising two outstanding children in the midst of serving thousands of students, running schools and supporting staff members. My children and wife are my biggest cheerleaders. They have given selflessly to support me in whatever path I chose. The way we operate as a family and support one another is what I’m most proud of in my life.

How has ACSA supported you in your career/current position? ACSA has been a constant source of support to me throughout my career. It has allowed me to make strong connections with colleagues, participate in leadership academies and has provided support when needed.

The theme for this year’s Leadership Summit is “Lead Loudly: Sharing Stories, Building Bridges.” What does Leading Loudly mean to you? Leading Loudly means that you have to be willing to speak up even when others are unwilling to do so. With so many injustices happening in the world today, we need leaders who are willing to have courageous conversations, be the voice for those who have none and demand a seat at the table, even when it creates a personal/professional risk for you to do so.