The Herb Kohl Education Foundation has announced that after 25 years of recognizing exceptional Wisconsin students and teachers, it will soon add a new category of awards for principals and school administrators.

Beginning next year, 16 Outstanding Wisconsin Leadership awards will be presented to 12 public school and four religious and independent school principals or administrators. The awards will recognize the importance of exceptional school leaders who help provide successful school environments for students and faculty members.

Each state-level winner will receive a $3,000 award, along with an additional $3,000 for his or her school. Award winners will be encouraged to apply their schools’ award to the continued development of talent and future leadership opportunities.

Former U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl, who served 24 years in the Senate, founded the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Excellence Scholarship and Fellowship Award programs in 1990. To date, the foundation has awarded a total of $10.4 million to Wisconsin educators, students, and schools. The foundation has partnered with the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators and the Wisconsin Council of Religious and Independent Schools to offer the awards for principals and school leaders.

Nomination forms are available at www.awsa.org. Information about the religious and independent school award is available at www.wcris.org. The deadline for submitting nominations is Dec. 16. Candidates will be selected in February 2016, and  winners will be informed shortly thereafter. Recipients will receive their awards during award banquets in April 2016.