Each year, members of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 12 nominate exemplary administrators for awards. These awards not only recognize individuals but bring great distinction to their school and district. This year, we are proud to announce that Mark McLaughlin, Principal of Alder Middle School, has been selected as Middle School Principal of the Year.  Mr. McLaughlin was honored at the ACSA Region 12 Administrator Awards Dinner at the University of Redlands on April 25, 2011.

When Mr. McLaughlin came to Alder Middle School in 2008, Alder's API was 647 and ranked 41 out of 42 schools (within the Fontana Unified School District), ranked last among all middle schools and had the highest suspension rate of all the middle schools in the district.  In two years as principal of Alder Middle School, their API rose 119 points for a current total of 766.  Alder is currently ranked number one of all secondary schools and has the lowest suspension rate among all secondary schools.  Mr. McLaughlin stresses to his staff that all students can learn and the expectation is that teachers must teach them.

Before coming to Alder Middle School, Mr. McLaughlin was principal of Maple Elementary School from 2005 to 2008.  During his tenure at Maple, the school raised its API score by 71 points and exited Program Improvement, Year 4.

"We are all very proud of Mr. McLaughlin and it is no surprise to us that ACSA Region 12 has selected him as their Middle School Principal of the Year" said Superintendent Cali Olsen-Binks.  "He is an amazing leader and is committed to student success."