The Lewiston Independent School District No. 1 proudly announces that Jennifer Gomez, principal of Orchards Elementary School, has been named Idaho’s 2025 National Distinguished Principal—a prestigious honor awarded by the Idaho Association of School Administrators (IASA) and the Idaho Association of Elementary School Principals (IAESP).
Gomez has served as principal at Orchards Elementary since 2016, where her leadership has transformed the school into a model of collaboration, innovation, and academic achievement. Under her direction, Orchards Elementary earned Model PLC (Professional Learning Community) School Status, reflecting a deep commitment to data-informed instruction and continuous improvement. She was previously recognized as Idaho’s Gem Elementary Principal of the Year for her visionary approach to school leadership.
At the core of Gomez’s success is her ability to build strong, collaborative teams that focus on student learning. She established and continues facilitating the PLC process across all grade levels, helping educators use data to tailor instruction, monitor student progress, and deliver targeted interventions. These efforts have led to significant improvements in student achievement and a school culture built on trust, teamwork, and shared responsibility.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate Jennifer Gomez as Idaho’s 2025 National Distinguished Principal,” said Lisa Fenter, Curriculum Director. “This recognition is a testament to her unwavering commitment to building a school culture rooted in safety, engagement, and excellence for all. Through visionary leadership, she has cultivated an environment where every student and staff member feels valued and supported, while also fostering strong partnerships with families. This honor is well-deserved and reflects the profound impact Jennifer has made on her school community.”
Gomez is known for being hands-on. She is frequently seen working directly with K–5 students and teachers, offering real-time support, coaching, and encouragement. She also spearheads data review meetings that drive school-wide instructional planning and has implemented comprehensive data analysis protocols that have become central to the school's academic strategy.
Before becoming principal, Gomez spent 17 years teaching grades 3–6 in the Lewiston and Kuna School Districts. There, she developed engaging, standards-aligned lessons across core subjects and mentored new teachers. Her impact as an educator has extended district-wide, where she has served on numerous committees and led initiatives in curriculum adoption, accreditation, and professional development.
She has also delivered presentations at the OETC Regional Technology Conference in Portland, Oregon, and facilitated regional CORE training, advocating for continuous professional growth among her peers. Her work on the Superintendent’s Guiding Coalition Council, Accreditation Committee, Budget & Technology Committee, ESSR Funds Committee, and Curriculum Adoption Team underscores her deep investment in education at every level.
As she looks ahead to being honored in Washington, D.C., later this year, Gomez states, “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition. It reflects the incredible work of my staff, students, and school community, who inspire me every day. Together, we’ve built a culture of collaboration, high expectations, and a commitment to doing what’s best for kids. I’m proud to represent Idaho and to share in this celebration of the power of public education and dedicated leadership.”
Congratulations, Jennifer Gomez, Idaho’s 2025 National Distinguished Principal