Florence B. Mathis Elementary’s Erica Cruthirds Named Alabama’s NAESP National Outstanding Elementary Assistant Principal
Foley, Ala., March 6, 2026 – The Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA) and Publishers’ Warehouse have named Erica Cruthirds, assistant principal of Florence B. Mathis Elementary School in Baldwin County Schools, as Alabama’s NAESP National Outstanding Elementary Assistant Principal. This prestigious program, sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), recognizes assistant principals who demonstrate excellence in their roles and make significant contributions to the educational experience of their students.
Mrs. Cruthirds was selected for her exceptional instructional leadership, commitment to supporting teachers, and dedication to improving student outcomes at Florence B. Mathis Elementary.
One of her most notable accomplishments has been leading a comprehensive effort to address chronic absenteeism among the school’s diverse student population. Through consistent communication with families, collaborative planning with teachers, and the implementation of creative attendance incentives, the school reduced chronic absenteeism from 15.82 percent to 9.67 percent, representing a 39 percent decrease from the previous year. This improvement played a significant role in increasing the school’s state report card score from 73 to 82, the largest growth of any elementary school in Baldwin County.
Mrs. Cruthirds is also recognized for fostering a positive and inclusive school culture through mentoring, staff engagement initiatives, and community partnerships. By connecting teachers and students with meaningful mentorship opportunities and organizing activities that build relationships and morale, she has helped create an environment where both students and staff feel supported and motivated to succeed.
As an instructional leader, Mrs. Cruthirds plays an active role in guiding weekly Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings, analyzing student data, and collaborating with teachers to strengthen instructional practices. Her background teaching multiple core subjects across several grade levels allows her to facilitate meaningful discussions about curriculum and instructional strategies that directly support student achievement.
“Mrs. Cruthirds exemplifies the leadership, dedication, and commitment to student success that define outstanding assistant principals,” said Dr. Farrell Seymore, executive director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) and AAESA. “Her focus on instructional leadership, school culture, and meaningful partnerships with teachers and families has made a measurable impact on the students and staff she serves. We are proud to recognize her accomplishments and celebrate the difference she is making in Baldwin County.”
About the NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal Award: The National Association of Elementary School Principals is committed to preparing assistant principals to step into the principal role. They want to honor assistant principals who are doing a superb job in their roles.
The NOAP program promotes educational excellence for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade (Pre-K-8) schooling and calls attention to the fundamental importance of the assistant principal. NAESP will share their successes and best practices in a practical document for other principals to utilize.
About Publishers’ Warehouse: Publishers’ Warehouse is a long-time supporter of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools and the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators. They are Alabama’s one-stop shop for digital textbooks through EBSCOed as well as print textbooks and instructional materials for K-12 schools.
About AAESA and CLAS: The Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators is an affiliate association of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS). CLAS is an umbrella association that serves thirteen different affiliates comprised of Alabama’s public school administrators. CLAS provides the framework to connect dedicated school administrators and other successful leaders with a network for professional growth and support. For more information, visit www.clasleaders.org.
