Chris deNeui, principal of Central Elementary in Nevada, has been named the 2021 Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year by the School Administrators of Iowa.

Chris deNeui

Chris deNeui

“Congratulations to Chris deNeui on this honor! One of her best leadership skills is her ability to create an environment where everyone can maximize their potential to grow and learn. Chris will serve as an excellent representative of the best of Iowa’s elementary principals!” said SAI Executive Director Roark Horn.

She has been principal at Central since 2017 and was previously elementary principal at West Marshall. Her career began as a second grade teacher. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Central College, a master’s in guidance and counseling from Wayne State College and completed her PK-12 Principal/Supervisor of Special Education program with Viterbo University.

She was nominated by her peers, selected by a committee of Iowa elementary principals, and will be recognized at the association’s annual conference. The National Association of Elementary School Principals will also honor her as a National Distinguished Principal.

SAI, a statewide organization founded in 1987, represents more than 1,800 Iowa educational administrators. SAI’s mission is to support, encourage and develop Iowa’s educational leaders and learners.