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Important Message from IPA Executive Director, Dr. Jason Leahy, Regarding National Membership

The purpose of this message is to update you on our transition from being affiliated with two national affiliates, the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), to one PK-12 national umbrella affiliate, the National Principals Association (NPA). As I shared in previous updates, the IPA went through a yearlong process in 2025 to study our national partnerships to determine what would be most advantageous to the IPA, our members, and the profession. The result of the effort was to approach NASSP with four other states (Indiana, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconsin) to request that NASSP reconstitute to a PK-12 national umbrella association. NASSP agreed, and we will be solely affiliated with them as the new National Principals Association on July 1, 2026.

As an NAESP member, you may be wondering what this means for your national membership moving forward. If you prefer to retain your NAESP membership, I encourage you to renew directly through NAESP by visiting their website at www.naesp.org. If you would like to join the new National Principals Association, you may do so through the IPA membership process as you have with NAESP membership in the past. Below is a list of helpful FAQs to answer some key questions that you may have about your membership benefits, especially accrued legal support, if you choose to move from NAESP to NPA. You do not have to do anything if you would prefer to let your national membership lapse.

We want to make sure you have no loss of benefits whether you choose to renew your membership with NAESP or switch your membership to NPA. Throughout the next fiscal year, Laura Adams, IPA Membership & Database Specialist, will be reaching out to you a couple of months in advance of your national renewal date to touch base.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about this transition. I would be happy to jump on a phone or Zoom call if you would prefer. Thank you for your leadership.

Dr. Jason Leahy

National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) to Become National Principals Association (NPA)

Why is NASSP expanding to serve leaders across PreK–12?

School leadership has evolved. The challenges facing principals — federal policy shifts, funding decisions, student well-being, safety, accountability, and staffing — affect every school across the PreK–12 continuum. Federal education policy increasingly treats PreK–12 as one system.

Over the past year, we have spoken with members and state leaders across the country, and the message is clear: to meet the complexity of today’s educational landscape, school leaders need stronger alignment and a unified voice across the entire PreK–12 continuum. This expansion is not simply about broadening membership. It is about strengthening the profession as a whole.

As of July 1, NASSP will operate as the National Principals Association, reflecting this unified PreK–12 commitment.

How does the expansion benefit members?

• A stronger, unified national advocacy voice
• More coherent leadership development across PreK–12
• Expanded networks and collaboration
• Elevation of nationally recognized student leadership programs
• No loss of secondary services or benefits

This expansion strengthens what members already value while broadening opportunity.

Will new programming be developed for elementary leaders?

Yes. As NASSP expands to serve PreK–12 leaders, programming, professional learning, and leadership networks will broaden to reflect the unique needs and priorities of elementary principals while continuing strong support for middle and high school leaders.

Expanded offerings will be grounded in elementary leader voice and informed by research on effective school leadership across the PreK–12 continuum. This includes opportunities for collaboration across grade levels, leadership development aligned to the realities of elementary school leadership, and expanded pathways for engagement within the national community.

Recognition programs, national and state liaison opportunities, and leadership engagement structures will also expand to ensure elementary leaders are meaningfully represented across the full PK–12 continuum.

Why should PreK–6 leaders join National Principals Association if they already have NAESP?

Elementary leaders have expressed interest in:

• A unified PreK–12 platform
• Broader peer networks
• Expanded leadership development
• Stronger national advocacy integration

However, the expansion preserves choice. Leaders may join NAESP, National Principals Association, or both.

Does the PreK–12 expansion change insurance coverage?

No. Members will continue to receive professional liability and legal assistance coverage administered by Forrest T. Jones & Company (FTJ). Coverage attaches when a member is added to the National Principals Association primary membership list. There is no waiting period once membership is active.

If I move from NAESP to the National Principals Association, will there be a lapse in my insurance?

Coverage aligns with effective membership dates. Members should ensure their National Principals Association membership begins immediately following the expiration of any prior membership to avoid a gap in coverage. Maintaining continuous membership preserves eligibility for certain benefits.

Will my accrued Legal Assistance Program (LAP) benefits be carried forward?

Legal benefits accrue based on continuous membership. Where there is no lapse in membership dates, prior years of membership will be recognized for purposes of calculating legal assistance benefits.

Enhanced LAP Benefits

• If you are subject to a job-related due-process proceeding, NASSP’s legal benefits program has been enhanced and will reimburse up to $2,000 of legal expenses for each year of continuous membership, to a maximum of $20,000 (subject to a $500 deductible per claim).*
• *Available to members in the Individual and Institutional membership categories only. This benefit covers incidents occurring after 4/1/26 that are the subject of a claim. For claims administration purposes, “continuous membership” means you accrue tenure for this benefit so long as your membership with NASSP, or between NASSP and NAESP, is continuous (meaning no lapses). If you become a member of NASSP and were previously a member of NAESP you must ensure that there is no lapse in your membership to receive full credit for each year of continuous service.
• In limited instances, members moving between associations may be required to provide proof of continuous membership at the time of a claim. Each association will communicate requirements clearly.

How will the PreK–12 voice be represented in National Principals Association Board governance?

Balanced representation across the PreK–12 continuum is a priority for the National Principals Association governance. The current Board reflects leadership experience and perspectives across elementary, middle, and high school settings.

As the organization evolves, governance will be intentionally phased to ensure balanced representation across the continuum while maintaining the strong leadership voice that has historically guided NASSP.

What Other Mechanisms will Ensure Elementary Voice?

In addition to Board representation, the National Principals Association will establish an Elementary Advisory Group by July 1 to ensure strong elementary leader input during the early stages of launch. National/state liaison representation (i.e., State Coordinators) will also be expanded.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals has also conducted extensive research across the elementary leadership community to understand the priorities and challenges facing elementary principals. These insights will inform programming, professional learning, and member services and support.

What Happens Next?

• Implementation planning continues through June
• National Principals Association launches July 1
• Governance adjustments phase in gradually
• Member and affiliate engagement continues
• Clear guidance will be provided to members regarding transition details

The PreK–12 expansion strengthens the profession while preserving continuity, governance integrity, and member protections. Our commitment is to clarity, stability, and confidence throughout this transition.

Additional Questions: Send inquiries to NPA-questions@nassp.org or Customer Care @ 800-253-7746 option 4. You can also visit https://www.nassp.org/npa/ for more information.