Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart today named Kenneth Savage, of Lee County, as the 2018 Principal of the Year and Jackie Ramsey, of Orange County, as the 2018 Assistant Principal of the Year. These school leaders were honored at the Commissioner’s Summit for Principals for contributing to increased student performance.
“Strong leadership in our schools is essential to ensure teachers and students have the support and resources necessary to succeed,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “Kenneth Savage and Jackie Ramsey have made a tremendous impact on their students, colleagues and community, and I am honored to recognize them as the 2018 Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year.”
Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership
The 2018 Principal of the Year was awarded a cash prize of $5,000. The two state finalists were awarded a check for $1,500, and each district winner was awarded a check for $312.
Kenneth Savage, James Stephens International Academy, Lee County
After serving successfully as principal at Veterans Park Academy for the Arts K-8, Kenneth Savage was appointed as a turnaround principal for James Stephens International Academy. In one year, Savage helped improve the school grade from an F to a B. He is commended for being a self-starter and critical thinker, and he is known as a diligent data user who always focuses on the ultimate goal – student achievement. He is a member of Principal Leads in Lee County and mentors other administrators.
“I am so proud of Ken and all of his accomplishments in this District,” said Lee County Superintendent Dr. Greg Adkins. “He is a true leader and mentor, not only for our kids, but for our staff and other administrators. Ken’s passion to make sure all students receive a high quality education is second to none.”
Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award
The 2018 Assistant Principal of the Year was awarded a cash prize of $3,500. The two state finalists were awarded a check for $1,061, and each district winner was awarded a check for $219.
Jackie Ramsey, Carver Middle School, Orange County
As the assistant principal for instruction at Carver Middle School, Jackie Ramsey is known as a dynamic leader who provides exceptional support and motivation to teachers at several Orange County schools. Ramsey believes that all students will learn when they receive quality instruction. At Carver Middle School, students’ reading proficiency is up by three percentage points, and the bottom quartile learning gains are up by four percentage points. Under her leadership, Carver Middle School has improved its school grade from an F to a C.
“Jackie Ramsey is an outstanding assistant principal whose every action helps lead students to success,” said Orange County Superintendent Dr. Barbara Jenkins. “Her expertise has resulted in significant learning gains at every school she’s served. We applaud the selection of Jackie Ramsey as the Florida Assistant Principal of the Year.”
The Commissioner’s Summit for Principals is sponsored by the Florida Lottery.
Candidates for these awards were nominated by the superintendent from their respective school districts. Complete lists of candidates from each district for both categories are available online: 2017-18 Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership District Winners and 2017-18 Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award District Winners.
The Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership was established in 1988 to recognize Florida principals for their contributions to their schools and communities. The Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award was established in 1997 to honor assistant principals that have utilized teamwork and leadership to increase student achievement and greatly improved school environments.
For more information about Florida’s educator recognition and recruitment programs, click here.
