MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A principal in the Minneapolis public schools has been honored as Minnesota’s 2011 National Distinguished Principal by the U.S. Department of Education.

She’s Joan Franks, the principal of Armatage Montessori School. She was honored on Wednesday.

The program was established in 1984 to honor top elementary and middle school principals. It is awarded by both the Education Department and the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

Principal Aura Wharton-Beck of the Jenny Lind Elementary School in Minneapolis says she has known Franks since 1987. She says Franks’ commitment to equity, diversity, and high standards for all students sets her apart.

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