WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – At the District Administration Leadership Institute Superintendents Summit, Collierville Schools was named a 2026 District of Distinction in the STEM & Career Pathways category for its innovative aviation program.

Launched in 2021 through the Innovative High School Models Grant, the aviation program at Collierville High School has grown into a nationally recognized pathway. Our program provides students with real-world experience, the opportunity to earn their private pilot’s license, and direct connections to careers in aviation and aerospace through partnerships with industry leaders such as Helena Chemical, FedEx, and AirVenture. We are proud to be the only school in the region that introduces aviation mechanics at the high school level.

The District Administration Leadership Institute is the Premier K-12 Membership Organization inspiring innovation and leadership excellence in K-12 education.

"This program represents the very best of what public education can achieve when vision meets opportunity," said Dr. Russell Dyer. "I couldn’t be prouder of the innovation and dedication that went into making this a reality for our district and for the future of our students."

“From the very beginning, our goal was to create a program that doesn’t just teach aviation—it immerses students in it," added Chief Academic Officer Leigh Anne Rainey. "We’ve worked hard to remove barriers so that underserved populations can see what’s possible for them in aviation and aerospace. By giving students hands-on experience and industry connections while they’re still in high school, we’re opening doors to careers that once seemed out of reach.”

The award is part of District Administration’s Awards of Distinction Program, which recognizes education leaders and initiatives driving meaningful change across six categories: Academic Acceleration, Community & Family Engagement, Culture, Vision & Strategic Planning, Professional Development & Wellness, STEM & Career Pathways, Student Engagement & Wellbeing, as well as exceptional Women of Distinction and Leaders of Distinction.

Criteria for Selecting Winners
Innovative Practices: Recognizing districts that have implemented innovative and successful approaches to address educational challenges, improve student outcomes, or enhance community engagement.

Student Achievement: Acknowledging districts that have demonstrated significant improvements in student achievement, including academic performance, graduation rates, or closing achievement gaps.

Community Impact: Evaluating districts that have positively impacted their communities through initiatives such as partnerships with local organizations, community service programs, or outreach efforts. 

About the District Administration Leadership Institute:
The District Administration Leadership Institute (DALI) connects K–12 leaders nationwide through invitation-only summits and executive-level forums. DALI provides a platform for superintendents to engage in peer-to-peer learning, explore innovative strategies, and develop actionable solutions to today’s most pressing educational challenges—all within a trusted, vendor-free environment. For more information about the Superintendents Summit, visit www.DistrictAdministration.com/DALI.