Kim Ball Simmons, principal of Mountain View Elementary School, has been named the 2010-2011 Principal of the Year for Ashe County Schools.

This is a high honor of achievement as Mrs. Simmons was selected for the second year. The selection was made based on the Wachovia Principal of the Year Program criteria. This criteria includes respect and admiration of students, teachers, co-workers, and parents; the ability to improve the achievement of students from various backgrounds and with differing capabilities; and the respect of the community where they serve as leaders.

She will compete with other local award recipients for regional and state honors as part of the Principal of the Year program sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and Wachovia, a Wells Fargo Company.

Regional award recipients will be selected by February 2011 and the 2011 State Wachovia Principal of the Year will be announced in spring of 2011 at a state luncheon in Raleigh.

Simmons will be recognized by the Ashe County Board of Education at their Dec. 6 meeting.