Saranac Lake Leader Honored as NYS High School Principal of the Year

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Saranac Lake High School Principal Joshua Dann

ALBANY, NY (12/23/2025) (readMedia)-- Joshua Dann, principal of Saranac Lake High School, has been selected as the 2026 New York State High School Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). This award is presented annually by SAANYS and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) to a secondary principal who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to student success. Dann will now advance as New York State's candidate for the National High School Principal of the Year award, sponsored by NASSP.

When Dann assumed leadership thirteen years ago, he began by listening closely to students, staff, and families. Through forums, classroom visits, community conversations, and data analysis, he identified a shared need for stronger relationships, clearer expectations, and a more supportive learning environment. "Everything started with understanding what our students and teachers were experiencing," Dann explains. "From there, we focused on building a culture where everyone feels valued and connected."

One of the most notable cultural shifts occurred in 2023 with the implementation of a schoolwide cell phone ban – an initiative shaped by student feedback and staff observations about the impact of digital distraction. "Our goal was to help students be more present," Dann says. "We wanted a learning environment where social pressure decreased and human connection increased." Since the policy's introduction, the school has seen more engaged classrooms, strengthened peer relationships, and a noticeable improvement in overall school tone.

Dann's leadership has also expanded academic opportunities. Saranac Lake High School offers seven AP courses, twelve college-level courses, multiple CTE pathways, and two New Vision programs. He developed an Academic Support Program providing daily interventions for at-risk students, contributing to significant improvements in achievement and graduation outcomes. The school's four-year graduation rate has risen from roughly 83 percent when Dann began to as high as 99 percent in 2021 and 95 percent in 2024.

Equity remains central to Dann's leadership philosophy. "Students do better when they feel they belong," he says. He has strengthened MTSS supports, expanded student leadership opportunities, implemented trauma-informed staff training, and prioritized family engagement, ensuring that communication, decision-making, and planning reflect the diverse needs of the district's 685-square-mile community.

Dann also emphasizes shared leadership, creating structures for authentic voice and participation among students and staff. Senior student couriers, school board student representatives, and a staff leadership committee all play roles in shaping school operations and policy. Teachers lead professional development, collaborate on curriculum design, and pilot instructional innovations. "Leadership grows where trust grows," Dann notes. "My job is to build the systems where people feel empowered to step forward."

Beyond academics and culture, Dann's community impact is profound. For eleven years, he has helped raise more than $300,000 through the annual Turkey Trot to support the Saranac Lake Student Needs Fund. The fund supports students facing financial hardship and assists with essentials such as food, clothing, heating assistance, internet access, exam fees, and enrichment opportunities. Each November, Dann is the lead fundraiser of the Turkey Trot, walking over 100 miles. He is also a longtime hockey official, varsity coach, former youth hockey leader, and vice president of the Saranac Lake Civic Center Board.

Support for his nomination was overwhelming, with numerous colleagues, community members, parents, and students submitting letters praising his impact. Saranac Lake Mayor James Williams wrote, "His passion for his purpose has him working for the families of the Saranac Lake Central School District 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. And it is with complete honesty that I tell you he is the greatest asset of our community." Kathy McHugh, Saranac Lake guidance assistant, said of Dann, "He possesses an authentic way of connecting with people that can't be taught, and his dedication to the field of education, to students, and to staff is unquestionable. Mr. Josh Dann is a one-of-a-kind person and principal, and we are so lucky to have him."

Commented Saranac Lake graduate Sam Clark, "Some say that the people around us make us better. We watch their character, commitment, energy, and determination. These things inspire us to be better humans. Mr. Dann is a perfect example of this. He has personally changed my view of the world and has helped me become the man I've wanted to be."

Dann received his Master's and his Bachelor's from SUNY Cortland. He also holds a School Administrator/Supervisor and School District Leader Certification from Syracuse University. He currently serves as president of the Saranac Lake Administrator's Association and president of the Section 7 Athletic Council.

Dann and fellow 2026 award winners will be recognized at SAANYS' annual awards celebration on Friday, May 1 at the Desmond Hotel – Crowne Plaza in Albany, New York. SAANYS represents nearly 22,000 school administrators, supervisors, and retirees. SAANYS is committed to supporting its members and strengthening leadership excellence in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).