During a deliberate and strategic process that included input from many key stakeholders, the Superintendent of Schools announced principal changes at 8 schools for the 2017-18 school year, which was approved by the School Board on May 2.

Each year principals retire, move or earn promotions, leaving a vacancy that is to be filled with transfers or new appointments.

The selection process for new principals involves understanding the particular needs of a school and then seeking to find the right match to meet those needs. Successful principals are focused on achievement and results, have instructional expertise; have the ability to manage and develop people’s talents; are able to build a safe and positive culture; develop collaborative relationships; and take a proactive approach to problem solving.

New principal assignments begin on June 5 and the new school year will start on August 10.

Principal Appointments

Lisa Barnum, Principal at Thonotosassa Elementary School  

Currently serves at Yates Elementary Schools as Assistant Principal for Elementary Instruction   

Mary Hewett, Principal at Nelson Elementary School

Currently serves at Nelson Elementary School as the Assistant Principal for Elementary Instruction

Renel Mathurin, Principal at MOSI Partnership Elementary School

Currently serves at Shaw Elementary School as the Assistant Principal for Elementary Instruction                             

Larissa McCoy, Principal at Leto High School

Currently serves at Leto High School (Asst. Principal Curriculum)                                 

Principal Transfers

Mary Freitas, Principal at Sickles High School

Currently serves as Principal at Lennard High School       

Joann Griffiths, Principal at Cimino Elementary School

Currently serves as Principal at Cahoon Elementary Magnet School                                                         

Brent McBrien, Principal at Martinez Middle School

Currently serves as Principal at Davidsen Middle School                                                

Scott Weaver, Principal at Roland Park K-8 Magnet School

Currently serves as Principal at Martinez Middle School                                

On May 2, the School Board also approved the appointments of nine veteran assistant principals who answered the call to transfer to a high needs school.

These leaders have joined the District’s Turn Around Leader Pathways Program because they are committed to equity and know that leadership is a critical factor in improving outcomes for ALL students.   Because of the investment in leadership at our high needs schools, the Hillsborough School District seeks to change the trajectory for students and lead them to the path of success.

The newly transferred administrators to high-need schools bring a desire to support our students, families and community. 

Assistant Principal Transfers

Sharon Ambrose, Assistant Principal for Elementary Instruction at Broward Elementary School

Currently serves as Assistant Principal for Student Affairs at Rampello K-8                                                            

Renee Best, Assistant Principal for Elementary Instruction at Shaw Elementary School

Currently serves as Assistant Principal for Elementary Instruction at Claywell Elementary School

Brad Brooks, Assistant Principal for Student Affairs at Shields Middle School

Currently serves as Assistant Principal for Student Affairs at Webb Middle School                                            

Willie Hughes, Assistant Principal for Elementary Instruction at Robles Elementary School

Currently serves as Assistant Principal for Elementary Instruction at Clair Mel Elementary School              

Toby Johnson, Assistant Principal for Student Affairs at Memorial Middle School

Currently serves as Assistant Principal for Student Affairs at Coleman Middle School                                       

Jeanine Sadler, Assistant Principal for Elementary Instruction at Clair Mel Elementary School

Currently serves as Assistant Principal for Elementary Instruction at Stowers Elementary School               

Robert Stingone, Assistant Principal for Student Affairs at Shields Middle School

Currently serves as Assistant Principal for Student Affairs at Dowdell Middle School                        

Melvin Williams, Assistant Principal for Administration at Armwood High School

Currently serves as Assistant Principal for Student Affairs at Brandon EPIC 3 Center                         

Jody Woods, Assistant Principal for Administration at Chamberlain High School

Currently serves as Assistant Principal for Administration at Gaither High School