BCISD principal an H-E-B Excellence in Education finalist

Jessica McMullen, principal of R.J. Richey Elementary School in Burnet, is one of 10 Central Texas finalists in the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, the largest monetary award program for educators in Texas, and among the biggest in the nation. It recognizes principals, teachers, and other school staff and leadership for their dedication and going “the extra mile.”

Finalists will compete on a statewide level in Houston on May 5.

Excellence in Education representatives paid a surprise visit to each finalist at their campus during the week of Feb. 23. Principals received a $1,000 check for themselves and a $2,500 check for their school. 

H-E-B partners (employees) and community members choose the nominees, who are then sent an invitation to complete an application online and asked about their professional experiences, educational philosophies, and achievements on and off campus.

A team of judges narrows the field to semifinalists, and from that pool, the finalists are selected by a five-member regional judging panel. The panel is comprised of former winners, administrators, and university and community leaders not affiliated with H-E-B.

Three separate panels select eight school districts and five early childhood facilities as finalists, awarding $5,000 in cash prizes to each. 

Up to five school boards are also recognized and awarded $5,000 toward the district they serve. Additionally, one or more school boards may receive a special judge’s award totaling up to $25,000. Site visits are conducted to determine winners.

Teacher, principal, and counselor finalists are invited to compete on a statewide level for larger cash prizes totaling $480,000. A statewide panel of judges, not affiliated with H-E-B, conducts a personal interview with each finalist to select the winners.

Each winning principal — one elementary and one secondary — receives $10,000 in cash for themselves and a $25,000 grant for their schools.

editor@thepicayune.com