At Blaker-Kinser Junior High School, Assistant Principal Lucia Hernandez is transforming school culture through relationships, restorative practices, and a steadfast commitment to equity and student achievement. Recognized as State ACSA’s 2026 Middle Grades Co-Administrator of the Year, Lucia believes every student deserves to feel a sense of belonging and receive the support needed to reach their full potential.
As a first-generation American and former English Learner, Lucia brings a personal understanding of the challenges many students face. She has made it her mission to ensure every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Her leadership has helped Blaker-Kinser transition from traditional discipline practices to a restorative, relationship-centered approach that prioritizes student well-being and accountability.
Lucia played a pivotal role in implementing a comprehensive Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework, helping Blaker-Kinser earn PBIS Platinum Recognition, the program’s highest distinction. Through consistent expectations, proactive interventions, and positive relationships, the school’s suspension rate dropped dramatically from 12.1% in 2019–20 to just 1.39% in 2024–25. Suspensions also declined among English Learners, students with disabilities, and socioeconomically disadvantaged students, increasing access to valuable instructional time.
Her commitment to student success extends into the classroom. Working collaboratively with teachers, Lucia helped develop personalized goal-setting tools for Long-Term English Learners, empowering students to track their academic progress and set goals for state assessments. These efforts contributed to impressive gains during the 2024–25 school year, including a 36-point increase in English Language Arts and a five-point increase in mathematics for Long-Term English Learners.
Lucia also champions innovation, professional growth, and meaningful family engagement. She has strengthened communication with families, expanded the school’s social media presence, and led a comprehensive rebranding effort to build school pride and strengthen community connections. Her commitment to listening to students and families has also informed improvements in newcomer student support and helped shape district-level equity initiatives.
Principal Matthew Hutsell describes Lucia as someone whom “families, staff, and especially students gravitate toward,” noting that she models kindness and makes herself approachable to everyone.
For Lucia, leadership is about more than programs and measurable outcomes. It is about building a community where every student feels safe, respected, supported, and capable of success. Through her compassionate leadership and unwavering advocacy for students, she continues to make a lasting difference at Blaker-Kinser Junior High School.
Lucia will be honored at State ACSA’s Leadership Summit in November. You can read about Lucia’s award at: