PCPS Announces 2024-25 Principals of the Year

Polk County Public Schools is proud to announce our district’s Principals of the Year!

Congratulations to Principal Suzie Nelson from Chain of Lakes Elementary, and Assistant Principal Stephanie Huber from Southwest Middle.

Nelson and Huber were selected from a group of outstanding PCPS principal finalists, with the overall winners chosen by a panel of regional superintendents, and approved by district leadership. Nelson and Huber will now move on for consideration as the Florida Department of Education’s Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year.

Congratulations to this year’s other finalists from PCPS:

Principals: Katie Ashmore, Caldwell Elementary; Matt Blankenship, Fort Meade Middle-Senior High; Elizabeth Munoz, Eastside Elementary; Chuck Pemberton, Alturas Elementary; Swanyetta Perry, Jesse Keen Elementary

Assistant Principals: Elizabeth DeShazor, Lake Gibson High; Ashley Highley, Davenport Elementary; Elizabeth Holbrook, Griffin Elementary; Rachel Jones, Sleepy Hill Elementary; Lori May, Brigham Academy

The Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year winners will be recognized during the PCPS Inspire Awards on Friday, Nov. 8, at the RP Funding Center. The event will also feature the naming of the 2024-25 Polk County Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year.

More information about this year’s award winners:

Suzie Nelson, Principal, Chain of Lakes Elementary

Suzie Nelson has had a transformational impact on Chain of Lakes Elementary. She led a schoolwide effort to boost reading performance, using a variety of strategies to address students’ individual needs, and provide teachers with specialized training.

As a result, Chain of Lakes saw significant gains in students’ reading scores. As the students became more confident in their reading abilities, they increased their engagement in other subjects, which led to broad academic growth for the school.

Nelson has also focused on building up the school’s culture. She prioritizes student feedback when it comes to planning school events and celebrations, so the kids know they have a voice, and can feel a sense of ownership of their school experience.

In addition, Chain of Lakes has implemented creative scheduling for extracurricular activities. Specific periods are dedicated for students to participate in clubs, workshops and other activities. That way, students who are unable to stay after school can still have fun with their classmates.

Ultimately, Nelson has strived for a “culture of engagement and belonging” at Chain of Lakes, where students can be successful in the classroom, and beyond.

Stephanie Huber, Assistant Principal, Southwest Middle

When it comes to running a school, Stephanie Huber always sees room for growth.

Since arriving at Southwest Middle, she made it a priority to listen to teachers and staff, and has worked to expand opportunities for professional development, and increase support from the school’s administration. Huber has also focused on improving student discipline. Referrals were down more than 20% last year, and with a more positive environment on campus, Southwest has begun to see gains in students’ academic performance.

Huber prides herself on building rapport with students. She has high expectations and serves as a mentor and encouraging figure for students.

In addition, Huber has worked hard to build partnerships with local businesses and organizations, leading to more opportunities and incentives for students and staff. District administrators also note that Huber played a key role in Southwest’s move to a new, modernized campus last year.

Huber is quick to say that there is still much work to be done at Southwest — and she’s up to the challenge.

https://www.polkschoolsfl.com/news/pcps_announces_2024-25_principals_of_the_year