ABERDEEN — Dr. Jason Uttermark, who has spent more than two decades at Aberdeen Central High School, was named the 2026-27 South Dakota State High School Principal of the Year by the South Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals.
Recognition announced at district in-service
The honor was disclosed Tuesday during the district’s fall 2026 in-service event at Central High School by Aberdeen Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Becky Guffin. The award is presented annually by the SDASSP to recognize principals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, a commitment to student achievement and a lasting impact on their school community.
Uttermark’s selection highlights more than 21 years of service at Aberdeen Central, where he has helped shape the academic environment and school culture over multiple administrative and curricular cycles. The announcement came as staff and district leaders gathered for professional development and community updates.
What the award signifies
The South Dakota State High School Principal of the Year award seeks to elevate examples of leadership that positively affect students and staff. According to the SDASSP, the criteria for the recognition include demonstrated instructional leadership, fostering school climate and culture, and sustained contributions to student success.
- Emphasis on instructional leadership and curriculum alignment
- Commitment to improving student outcomes and equity
- Evidence of positive school climate and staff development
The SDASSP presents the award each year to spotlight principals who meet those indicators, and Uttermark was chosen from among his peers for his long tenure and impact at Aberdeen Central.
Local impact and continuity
Aberdeen Central High School is a central institution in the community, serving generations of students and families. A principal’s leadership influences classroom instruction, extracurricular programs and community partnerships. Uttermark’s ongoing presence at Central for more than two decades provides a measure of continuity for district initiatives and long-term planning.
District officials and educators often point to stable leadership as a factor in sustaining improvement efforts, navigating state policy changes and overseeing transitions in staff and student needs. The award reinforces that continuity, signaling recognition from peers and statewide professional organizations.
Professional recognition and next steps
Being named Principal of the Year is largely a professional honor, offering recognition at the state level and sometimes leading to regional or national consideration through other professional organizations. The accolade may also open opportunities for Uttermark to participate in state-level education forums, mentorship programs for new principals, or speaking engagements about school leadership.
Aberdeen Public Schools posted the announcement internally at the in-service event and emphasized the role of district leadership in supporting schools. Superintendent Guffin delivered the news during the session, which gathered building leaders, teachers and staff for the start of the academic year.
Record of service
Public records and district accounts note Uttermark’s long association with Aberdeen Central High School and his two-decade presence in the building. The award formalizes recognition of that tenure and the contributions he has made across classrooms, athletics, activities and administrative functions.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recipient | Dr. Jason Uttermark |
| Award | 2026-27 South Dakota State High School Principal of the Year |
| Announced | Fall 2026 in-service at Central High School |
| Years at Central | 21+ |
What it means for Aberdeen
For a community like Aberdeen, the distinction brings visibility to the district’s leadership and can bolster recruiting efforts for teachers and staff. It also provides a model for other school leaders in the state to study approaches that support student achievement and school climate.
As the school year unfolds, educators and families in the district will watch for how recognition translates into continued initiatives and supports at Central. The award serves as both a commendation for past work and an expectation for continued leadership.
Further details about the selection process and any accompanying state-level events with the SDASSP were not included in the district announcement, which focused on celebrating Uttermark’s award during the in-service gathering.
