April 7, 2025

Dear Team DPS,

Today marks the beginning of National Assistant Principal Week! Our 186 assistant principals (APs) play a vital role in close partnership with their principals to drive the overall vision and leadership of their school. Our APs are essential leaders in our organization and will grow to be future principals of tomorrow or take on other leadership roles within the district. As an AP at Barnum Elementary and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College, my experience engrained the importance of Instructional Leadership and shaped my leadership journey. Who knows, one of our current APs may be the future Deputy Superintendent! 

APs focus on improving our schools for students, teachers and families. Whether they support teachers through coaching and development or work to align people, time and funds to drive student achievement, their role is central to the success of a school community. The dedication each of our APs show allows our schools to be welcoming school environments.

I want to express my gratitude for each APs commitment to supporting a brighter future for all students at DPS. Team DPS, please join me in celebrating the contributions of all our assistant principals this week by recognizing your school’s assistant principal. Thank you, assistant principals, for all that you do to ensure Every Learner Thrives within our district.

Respectfully, 

Dr. Tony Smith
Deputy Superintendent