NEW ULM — Dawn Brown, principal of Washington Learning Center (WLC), is one of four finalists for the Minnesota 2019 National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) National Distinguished Principal (NDP) award.

According to a news release from New Ulm Public Schools, 2019 marks the 35th year that Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA) and the NAESP have presented the prestigious award.

All nominated principals were reviewed by a statewide selection committee comprised of representatives from each of MESPA’s 12 geographical divisions, 2018 National Distinguished Principal Curtis Slater and selection committee chair Tim Bell.

Brown was nominated by Michelle Rosen, principal of Fairmont Elementary, Fairmont Area Schools, and president of MESPA’s Southwest Division, of which Brown is a member.

In the news release, Brown said her greatest accomplishment is the development of WLC, a school that contains the district’s preschool and kindergarten classrooms within one building, focusing specifically on the needs of the youngest students.

WLC has programs not only based on national and state academic standards, but also play-based learning and outdoor environmental experiences.

On May 3, Brown and the other three finalists will be interviewed and the selection committee will determine the 2019 Minnesota National Distinguished Principal.

In addition to Brown, finalists for the honor are: Kurt Becker, principal of Cuyuna Range Elementary School, Crosby-Ironton School District; Eric Skanson, principal of Cold Spring Elementary, ROCORI School District; and Melissa Sonnek, principal of Edgerton Elementary, Roseville Area Schools.