Lafayette Principal Honored With National Leadership Award

Associated Press

Janell Uerkwitz became principal of Murdock Elementary School in 2006.
*provided photo*

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — The principal of a Lafayette elementary school is among just seven nationwide being honored for their leadership.

The U.S. Department of Education says Janell Uerkwitz of Murdock Elementary School in Lafayette in one of this year's recipients of the Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership.

When Uerkwitz became principal in 2006, Murdock Elementary was poised for a state takeover due to low test scores. By the 2011-2012 school year, the high poverty K-4 school received an "A'' school rating. In 2012, all of Murdock's students tested at or above proficient on standardized math tests and 97 percent tested at proficient or better for English/language arts.

The leadership award is presented by the Department of Education and three national associations for principals.

Tags:Lafayette U.S. Department of Education

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