2023-2024
The 2024 Florida Principal of the Year receives a $3,500 prize, while the two state principal finalists receive $1,500 each and the district winners receive $275.
2024 Principal of the Year
Dr. Michael George
Atlantic Coast High School
Duval County
Dr. George has been an educator for 20 years. He has accomplished many things throughout his educational career, including founding a first-in-the state medical pathway partnership with the Mayo Clinic that created two new career and technical education programs; spearheading partnership with the University of North Florida with the goal of inspiring students to pursue a career in education; launching an in-school program named the “We Lead” program that offers monthly sessions for teachers seeking leadership; and bringing Atlantic Coast High School to a record 95% student graduation rate.
Finalists:
Marlene Straughan
Mount Dora High School
Lake County
Kirk Hutchinson
Venice Elementary School
Sarasota County