Jason Skiba receives AASL Distinguished School Administrator Award

CHICAGO – Jason Skiba, Principal at Allen Park High School, is the recipient of the 2025 American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Distinguished School Administrator Award. Sponsored by ProQuest, the $2,000 award recognizes and honors a school administrator who has made worthy contributions to the operations of exemplary school libraries and to advancing the role of the school library in the educational program.

Melissa Lambert, library media specialist and nominator, shared with the committee, “Mr. Jason Skiba’s leadership has fostered the growth of a model school library program, promoting literacy and community engagement, prioritizing professional development for faculty, providing time for educators to explore valuable library resources and tools that enrich instruction, and advocating for redesigning the library space that has created a more inviting and functional environment for collaboration and active learning.” Lambert continues, “Additionally, Mr. Skiba encourages collaboration between teachers and the librarian, promoting lessons on research, media literacy, and digital citizenship. He also supports the librarian’s continuous professional growth by providing release time for conferences and involvement with the Library of Michigan Board of Trustees.”

“The committee could see that Mr. Skiba is having a significant impact on the school library with purposeful development over time,” said Committee Chair Jennifer Millikan. “Showing support in so many ways that benefit learners, teachers, and the school librarian, Mr. Skiba’s efforts have transformed the library’s resources and physical space and fostered a strong, collaborative culture among students, teachers, and staff.”

Skiba himself states, “As the principal of Allen Park High School, I believe a strong school library program is a cornerstone of a well-rounded education. Our library is not just a place for books but a dynamic hub where students explore their interests, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning. It supports academic achievement and personal growth and empowers students to thrive in an interconnected world. I am committed to ensuring that our library evolves as an inclusive space that meets the diverse needs of our students and prepares them for future success."

“When a campus administrator recognizes the potential impact of their school librarian and envisions them as a key instructional partner and leader in the community, everyone in the school wins,” said AASL President Becky Calzada. “The AASL National School Library Standards encourages administrators to see the school library as an extension of the greater school community and their school librarian as a critical partner with the advantage of a school-wide perspective, curricular content-area knowledge, and strong collaborative relationships with every educators in the building. Everyone within the Allen Park High School community is a winner and benefits from the intentional partnership of this dynamic duo!”

The AASL award winners will be recognized at the 2025 AASL National Conference, which will be held October 16-18 in St. Louis, Missouri.

ProQuest is committed to empowering researchers and librarians around the world. The company’s portfolio of assets -- including content, technologies and deep expertise -- drives better research outcomes for users and greater efficiency for the libraries and organizations that serve them.

The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.