SDAESP Annual Awards

Each year SDAESP coordinates the selection of our state’s National Distinguished Principal. The criteria for consideration includes:

5 complete years as an elementary principal
Do not plan to retire in the next year
Member of NAESP for the current school year

In addition to NDP, SDAESP annually recognizes outstanding leadership through four distinguished awards:

Community Leader of the Year
Innovative Leader of the Year
Instructional Leader of the Year
Rookie of the Year

Learn more about our deserving 2025 recipients below.

Please consider nominating colleagues in the future!

National Distinguished Principal

Jay Swatek

Tea Area

Mr. Swatek has led Venture Elementary since its opening in 2019, and has earned this recognition for his exceptional leadership and innovative educational approaches. Under his guidance, the school has implemented transformative programs that enhance student achievement and create a supportive, inclusive learning environment for all Titans. As the leader of the Tea Area Elementary Math Team, he has championed data-driven instructional improvements through the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) Cycles.

Swatek's 23-year educational career includes serving as Flandreau Elementary Principal (2016-2019), Activities Director/Dean of Students at West Central School District (2013-2015), and a decade as a Garretson 5th-grade teacher, where he was named Teacher of the Year in 2012. He began his career teaching 4th grade in the Parkston School District (2002-2003).

In 2024, Swatek received recognition as an SDAESP Instructional Leader, highlighting his commitment to educational excellence.

Community Leader of the Year

Craig Case

Webster

Craig serves as treasurer and youth director for the Knights of Columbus, organizing events like fish frys, tournaments, and free throw contests. He also volunteers with the Webster Diamond Club, supports baseball events, and plays an active role in Germanfest and its student exchange program.

A key leader in the 2024 playground project, Craig helped raise nearly $500,000 for turf and facility upgrades benefiting students and families. He prioritizes student leadership through service projects and community events, while keeping families and partners engaged through consistent outreach. Craig is a connector—building strong, lasting school-community partnerships.

Innovative Leader of the Year

Rob Sylliaasen

Harrisburg

When asked about innovation at his school, Rob Sylliaasen described a shift to learner-centered systems that break traditional boundaries. A standout example is the 2–5 cohort model, which groups students by readiness, fostering personalized learning and staff collaboration. In the primary grades, Boost Up sessions combine movement with academic support, while the Kindergarten IDEA Lab uses purposeful play to spark curiosity. Rob has also led the creation of a maker-space, community garden, and an improved CICO system using real-time data for behavior support.

Instructional Leader of the Year

April Moen

Sisseton

April Moen is recognized for her unwavering commitment to student learning and schoolwide growth. At Westside Elementary, April leads with clarity, collaboration, and a laser-like focus on what’s best for kids. She has guided the implementation of Professional Learning Communities and a comprehensive instructional framework rooted in data, teamwork, and high expectations.

April’s leadership is marked by her ability to unite her staff around a shared mission. She has restructured schedules to protect Tier I instruction and PLC time, aligned paraprofessional and teaching assignments to support learner needs, and sustained the district’s literacy model through coaching and mentorship. Her work around essential standards, CFAs, and intervention supports has had direct impacts on student outcomes - and her commitment to inclusion, attendance, and behavior supports has resulted in a 90% drop in discipline referrals and a significant improvement in chronic absenteeism.

April creates space for every voice, every learner, and every staff member to grow. Through shared leadership teams, regular problem-solving, coaching cycles, and a schoolwide “Morning Meeting” culture, she ensures that Westside is a place where students are seen, heard, and challenged to reach their potential.

Rookie of the Year

Zach Gors

Tri-Valley

In his first year as Elementary Principal and Curriculum Director, Zach Gors has led with clarity, compassion, and confidence. He’s built strong systems rooted in relationships, communication, and high expectations, quickly becoming a trusted, visible presence throughout the school.

His “Mustang Way” framework has shaped school culture, while weekly communications like the “Colton Connection” and “Mustang Memo” reflect his purposeful leadership. Zach has introduced student recognition systems, aligned instructional practices, and driven improvements tied to district goals.

With a heart for listening, learning, and leading, Zach already leads like a veteran. His impact is undeniable—making him a deserving SDAESP Rookie of the Year.