Liz Janusz/Courtesy photo
NAESP NEWS RELEASE
Liz Janusz, principal of Aspen Elementary School in the Los Alamos Public Schools, has been named the 2026 National Distinguished Principal for New Mexico by the New Mexico Association of Elementary School Principals.
Sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), the prestigious National Distinguished Principal program honors exemplary elementary and middle-level administrators who set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character, and climate for the students, families, and staff in their learning communities.
The announcement was presented by Dr. Mark Anthony Barela-Eubank, Executive Director of the New Mexico Association of Elementary School Principals (NMAESP) and Jennifer Guy, LAPS superintendent who presented Liz Janusz with a bouquet of flowers.
“Evidence of Liz’s leadership is the stability of her team…Liz’s leadership is further defined by a profound sense of professional respect and autonomy. Liz trusts her teachers’ professional judgment and grants them the space to make instructional decisions that meet their students’ specific needs.” said Supt. Guy.
LAPS Asst. Supt for Teacher and Learning, Carter Payne stated, “Recognizing the importance of staff collaboration, Liz established true (Professional Learning Community) practices, where there had been none. Student success has increased steadily, but the real results have been in the staff’s new-found willingness to engage positively with each other on behalf of
their students.”
“As a parent in the Aspen Elementary community, I have had the privilege of witnessing Liz’s exceptional leadership and professional excellence firsthand. Her impact on our school extends far beyond the day-to-day responsibilities of a principal. She has created a school culture built on respect, connection, accountability, and genuine care for every student, staff member, and family she serves.” said Amelia Epperson.
Ashley Moff, Reading Interventionist at Aspen said working for Mrs. Janusz for the last two years has shown her the true impact that an enthusiastic educational administrator can have on their community.
“She approaches each day, each staff member, each student and community member with relentless enthusiasm, boundless compassion, and professional skill that makes all who encounter her feel seen, heard, and supported,” Moff said.
Liz Janusz has served as principal at Aspen Elementary School for three years. Under her leadership, the school has achieved and maintained 92% teacher retention rate, with nearly half of her staff having served at the school for more than 20 years.
“I am incredibly honored to even be in the same group as the other principals,” she said. “This award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaborative spirit of our teachers, staff, students, and families.”
As a state honoree, Liz Janusz will represent New Mexico in Washington, D.C., this fall for the national 2026 National Distinguished Principal awards program.
For more information about the National Distinguished Principal program, visit NAESP.ORG.