Jayme Braida of Knoxville has been selected as the Elementary School Principal of the Year by School Administrators of Iowa. 

Braida is the principal of Columbus Elementary in the Chariton Community School District. Braida has served as an elementary principal with Chariton Community School District since 2022. Prior to that, she spent a year with Heartland Education Agency. She also served in several leadership positions with Prairie City Community School District from 2018-2021. Braida began her career as a teacher for the Chariton Community School District.

A Central College graduate, Braida received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She then earned a master’s degree in education from Iowa State University. Reflecting on the recognition, Braida said, “Being named SAI Elementary Principal of the Year is truly an honor, but the real privilege lies in the opportunity to serve, lead, and love kids. I’m humbled by this recognition, which is a testament to the incredible mentors and teams I’ve been blessed to work with, whose guidance and collaboration have shaped my leadership and made this achievement possible. I am deeply committed to creating cultures where all students are seen, heard, and valued, knowing that while we may only walk with them for a short time, we can make a lasting impact on their lives.”

Iowa’s Administrator of the Year award recipients will be honored at SAI’s 50th Annual Conference in August 2025.