News

Joni Allison named Principal of the Year

Hendersonville Middle School students and faculty celebrate as principal Joni Allison is named Principal of the Year.

By Bill Moss, Published: October 1, 2026

Hendersonville Middle School had plenty to celebrate as Principal Joni Allison was named the 2026 Henderson County Public Schools Principal of the Year.

The announcement came as a surprise when Allison entered the Hendersonville Middle School gym to find students, staff, friends, and family waiting for her. Cheers filled the gym as she learned she had been named Principal of the Year, followed by confetti, flowers, and cake. 

The recognition comes following the recently released state accountability data for the 2025-2026 school year, which showed Hendersonville Middle School exceeded academic growth and earned a B school performance grade. Guided by this year’s school motto, “Own the Outcome. Chart Our Course,” Allison and her team have focused on taking ownership of their work, setting high expectations, and creating opportunities for every student to succeed.

“Ms. Allison has an incredible ability to connect with every student and staff member in her building and make them feel seen, valued, and supported,” schools Superintendent Mark R. Garrett said. “She sets high expectations while giving people the encouragement and support they need to reach them. The growth happening at Hendersonville Middle is a reflection of a school community working together with purpose, and Ms. Allison’s leadership has been instrumental in charting that course.”

Allison has served as principal of Hendersonville Middle School since July 2020. She spent the 2019-2020 school year as the school’s assistant principal after serving three years as assistant principal at West Henderson High School.

Before moving into school administration, Allison spent three years as an instructional coach, mentoring and supporting teachers. She first joined HCPS in 2006 as an English as a Second Language teacher, after teaching ESL for three years with the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Throughout her two decades in Henderson County public schools, Allison has remained committed to ensuring students and educators have the support they need to thrive. From her early work with English Language Learners to mentoring beginning teachers and leading school communities, she has worked to create inclusive learning environments and strengthen support for students. 

Each school year, the Principal of the Year is nominated by and voted on by his or her peers — the other 22 principals in the Henderson County Public Schools system, giving special significance to the designation.

“I am incredibly honored to be named HCPS Principal of the Year, but this recognition belongs to the entire HMS community,” Allison said. “Every day, I get to see the commitment our staff brings to their work, the growth and determination of our students, and the many ways our families support our school. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and even more excited about where we are headed. It is an honor to lead Hendersonville Middle and to be part of Henderson County public schools.”