Two SPS Principals Earn $25,000 Foster Award for Advancing Equity

Two Seattle Public Schools leaders each earned a $25,000 grant for their schools through the 2026 Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence. Viewlands Elementary principal, Carrie Wheeler, and Highland Park Elementary principal, Mary McDaniel, were honored by the Alliance for Education for advancing academic growth, educational justice, and racial equity. 

The longstanding award celebrates outstanding SPS principals and provides flexible funding to better support students and families. 

Both school leaders accepted their award during surprise assemblies at their respective schools to thunderous applause and cheers from students, families and district leaders.  

Superintendent Ben Shuldiner praised both leaders, calling them incredible principals who have done “so many amazing things” for students, staff, and school communities. 

“I am so happy to celebrate Principals Wheeler and McDaniel in receiving the Foster Award for their wonderful work in our schools,” he said. “It is so important to honor our principals for the great work they do. The job is incredibly rewarding but also very difficult, and they don’t always get the praise they deserve. I am so glad that we were able to host [schoolwide assemblies] to thank Principals Wheeler and McDaniel for their great work.” 

Carrie Wheeler, Viewlands Elementary 

At Viewlands, Wheeler is recognized for her leadership in expanding supports for multilingual learners and elevating underrepresented voices. She has helped build a more welcoming, equitable, and connected school community for students through initiatives like CoGen, a student advisory group of Black and Latinx 4th and 5th graders; inclusive family engagement nights; and culturally responsive celebrations like Dia De Los Muertos, Lunar New Year, and Ramadan. 

Reflecting on the honor, Wheeler shared that what keeps her going is knowing the Viewlands community is all in it together. 

“Education is tricky, and there’s a lot going on right now,” Wheeler said. “We’re serving students and families with all kinds of needs, so the partnerships we have, like with the Alliance, help us serve our community of diverse learners and fulfill diverse family needs. A school can’t do it alone. I hope this award shows everyone the great work that we’re all doing together.” 

Mary McDaniel, Highland Park Elementary 

At Highland Park, Principal McDaniel is known for her relationship-driven leadership and day-to-day presence for students and families. She has strengthened the school’s Extended Resource program, supported its Racial Equity Team, and championed student initiatives like the Rainbow Alliance and “Mustang Blocks,” a dedicated time within the school schedule that gives students flexible learning experiences beyond a traditional schedule model.   

McDaniel’s impact extends beyond programs—she regularly steps in to teach, serve meals, and greet families each morning. She emphasized the importance of seeing students’ potential. 

“We see greatness in our students; we know their potential,” Principal McDaniel said. “They know that we love them and that we care about them. We’re here to tell them, ‘you will be successful, and we will not let you fall through the cracks here at Highland Park.’ That’s why we’re here.” 

The Alliance for Education highlighted both principals for “walking the talk” on equity, noting their commitment to students who have been underserved and their ability to center community voice and belonging. 

“Every time we honor community voice and choice through the Foster Award, we are reminded of what’s possible when school leaders truly center students and families” said Yonas Fikak, Vice President of Impact at Alliance for Education. “Seeing the joy on students’ faces is both uplifting and affirming. Both principals lead with intention and care to support students who have too often been pushed to the margins, underserved or failed by our systems.” 

Foster Award recipients are selected through community nominations and demonstrated progress in areas such as equity, school climate, district college and career readiness goals, and academic achievement.