Ilea Faircloth

Ilea Faircloth is the principal of Hiland Park Elementary with Bay District Schools. Now in her 23rd year in education, Ilea’s career has truly come full circle; she is incredibly honored to lead the very elementary school she attended as a child. Throughout her distinguished tenure in public education, she has amassed diverse experience as a paraprofessional, substitute teacher, elementary classroom teacher, Literacy Coach, Math Staff Training Specialist, Instructional Specialist for School Improvement, and Assistant Administrator.

In 2018, Ilea was named principal of Springfield Elementary, where her leadership was immediately tested when Hurricane Michael devastated the school. Following the storm, she successfully managed incoming community donations and later spearheaded critical FEMA recovery operations for the district before transitioning to her dream job as principal of Hiland Park. Driven by a deep passion for student-centered leadership, she also shares her expertise with the next generation of educators, serving as an Adjunct Professor and University Supervisor for Florida State University-Panama City since 2021.

Beyond the school site, Ilea is deeply committed to community service. She has served on the Executive Board of the Bay County Reading Association (BCRA) as President, Vice-President, and Treasurer. Through BCRA, she successfully planned and implemented the annual Reading by the Bay Language Arts Classic, bringing professional development to an average of 400 regional educators. Additionally, she is a Past-President and Past Vice-President of the Alpha Delta Kappa TAU Chapter Educational Sorority, giving back to the educational community at the local, state, and national levels.

Ilea’s exceptional leadership has earned her prestigious recognition, including being named the Bay County Principal of the Year (2022) and receiving the FSU ElevatEd School Leader Torch Award (2024).