J. Lynn Jones, principal of Mapleton Elementary School in Nebo School District, has been selected to be Utah’s National Distinguished Principal (NDP) for 2000. This prestigious award is given by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the United States Department of Education.

"Mr. Jones was nominated and selected by his fellow principals through a statewide search conducted by the Utah Association of Elementary School Principals (UAESP)," said Dr. Luana G. Searle, Executive Director of UAESP.

J. Lynn holds a masters degree from Brigham Young University and in addition to his present assignment, has previously served as principal of Taylor Elementary School in Payson, Utah.

In October, Jones will travel to Washington, D.C. for two days of activities planned to honor and bring well-deserved recognition to the educators chosen by all states, the District of Columbia, and private and overseas schools.

Criteria for selection of the principals, set by NAESP and the U.S. Department of Education, require that the honorees be selected by their colleagues for achievements well above and beyond those expected in the usual school program.

Mr. Jones received this recognition because of his outstanding leadership skills. He has provided networked multimedia computers for each school classroom, together with access to projection systems He spearhead the Mapleton Academy which is designed to meet the training needs of all teachers new to his school, and he has played a significant role in securing over $200,000 in grants. Schools under his leadership have received the Governor’s Award for Excellence, and Mapleton has been recognized as a Utah Centennial School.

Each month Jones publishes a one-page article entitled Ask Mr. Jones. It is used as a forum to address issues that come to his attention during the month. In addition, he conducts regular luncheon sessions with students, parents, and faculty.

Jones and his wife, Gayleen, live in Spanish Fork, Utah and have four children.