KLS principal Mr. Pais named Monroe County Principal of the Year

Monroe County School District honored Mr. Pais, principal of KLS, as Principal of the Year on Jan. 14, 2026, recognizing his day-to-day leadership and sustained commitment to student and staff wellbeing. The award highlights a school leader whose presence is visible across campus and whose work aims to make school a safe, engaging place for learning.

Staff and families at KLS say Mr. Pais is consistently present in classrooms and around campus, reading with students, supporting teachers and creating moments of school spirit that build connection. Those routine actions — walking the halls, joining lessons, celebrating achievements — are part of what the district singled out in naming him principal of the year. The recognition reflects both individual dedication and the central role principals play in shaping daily school life.

That role carries public health implications for Monroe County. Strong school leadership is linked to improved student attendance, better mental health supports and a safer environment for both students and staff. When principals prioritize consistent adult presence, relationship-building and positive climate, students who face social or economic stressors are more likely to stay engaged and receive timely support. For a county where access to services can be uneven, school-based stability and caring adults are a frontline public health resource.

The award also matters for workforce stability. Principals who actively support staff contribute to teacher retention and morale, reducing burnout and turnover that can disrupt student learning. In turn, stable staffing helps schools maintain continuity for interventions, special education services and community partnerships that serve vulnerable populations.

For KLS families, the honor is a visible acknowledgment of everyday practices that make school welcoming and purposeful. It can boost community pride and strengthen partnerships between caregivers, educators and local agencies working on youth health and success. At the district level, recognizing effective leaders creates opportunities to replicate approaches that center consistency, compassion and school spirit across Monroe County schools.

Looking ahead, this recognition may prompt district conversations about how to invest in leadership development, expand supports that keep students connected, and sustain the on-campus presence that families at KLS describe as essential. For local residents, the award underlines how leadership at one school can ripple outward—shaping student wellbeing, staff stability and the broader health of the community.