Foundation for OKC Public Schools announces outstanding principals

The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools is excited to announce Shidler Elementary’s Armando Ayala and John Marshall Enterprise High School’s Jeanne Ambriz as the recipients of the Sam and Charolet Shirley Outstanding Principal Award for the 2020-2021 school year.

The award winners both exemplify commitment and service to their schools and most importantly, the students within those walls. Principals Ayala and Ambriz will be the most recent recipients to receive the Sam and Charolet Shirley Outstanding Principal Award, which was established in 2018 by their daughter Natalie Shirley who has spent decades in service to Oklahoma education as a university president, Oklahoma Secretary of Education and Workforce and is currently the President and CEO of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

Over the last year, Ayala and Ambriz prioritized innovation, communication and optimism to keep progress from stalling for their students and classrooms.

“Leadership matters,” said Mary Mélon, President and CEO of The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools. “From the district level to each school site, we strive to recognize those going above and beyond for Oklahoma City Public Schools. Both Armando and Jeanne have offered ways to enhance their student’s lives and learning especially during the challenges faced during the last year.”

“I've said many times that our principals have the hardest job in the district, but never before have we needed their strong, steady leadership more than we have this past year." -OKC Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sean McDaniel 

Ayala is the primary school Outstanding Principal honoree and a California native. He has been a principal since 2002 and has served at Shidler Elementary for six years. Ayala works to ensure his teachers and students have a safe space to grow and reach their full potential.

In the 2020-2021 school year, Ayala oversaw a 23% ELA grade level increase and a 26% math grade level increase on the Master Connect Benchmark tests. His path to success is amplified by his vision and commitment to ensure his staff and students are cared and provided for throughout the good times and the difficult times. Throughout COVID-19, he worked to ensure his students had the resources needed to succeed during virtual learning, making home visits and even delivering Christmas gifts to his students and their families.

Ambriz is also a California native. She has served John Marshall Enterprise High School as the principal for two years, winning the Outstanding Principal Award for secondary schools. She moved to Oklahoma in 2014 and began working for Oklahoma Centennial Mid-High School, serving as a classroom teacher and assistant principal before moving to John Marshall Enterprise High School.

During COVID-19, Ambriz was instrumental in organizing and coordinating teacher efforts when it came to online teaching strategies. She ensured prompt communication and listened to the needs of both her staff and students, even visiting students during online learning to assure their attendance in classes. During the 2019-2020 school year, she built calming rooms for students and staff in need of a place to relax and recharge and continues to reaffirm her commitment to excellent learning environments every day.

"OKCPS is fortunate to have quality leadership in every school and I am grateful for all of our OKCPS school leaders who are so committed to our students, families and staff each day,” said Dr. Sean McDaniel, Superintendent of OKC Public Schools. “I've said many times that our principals have the hardest job in the district, but never before have we needed their strong, steady leadership more than we have this past year. The culture of any school building can be felt the moment you walk through the door and is a direct reflection of the building leader. Today, OKCPS is proud to honor Principal Ayala and Principal Ambriz who over the past year have found innovative ways to connect with and care for our students and staff while also keeping academics at the forefront. These leaders embody the core values that our district holds dear, and we extend our congratulations to them both!"

Both principals will be honored at the Stars of Education Awards on May 6, where the OKCPS Teacher of the Year will be announced at a 5 p.m. virtual event. They will also be attending a drive-through celebration parade from 3-4 p.m. at the Clara Luper Center for Educational Services.

For more information about the Sam and Charolet Shirley Outstanding Principal Award, please visit http://okckids.com/.