Florida Department of Education Names Top Principal, Assistant Principal for 2015

The Florida Department of Education named the top principal and assistant principal of 2015 Monday at the Commissioner's Summit for Principals in Orlando.

Candidates were nominated by the superintendent from their respective school district.

The winner of the state's top principal went to Dr. Angela Murphy-Osborne of Palmetto Elementary School in Orange County. Murphy-Osborne raised the grade of her elementary school from an "F" to an "A" in just a single year. She is also the current Orange County Principal of the Year.

The state's top assistant principal was Dustin Sims of Flagler Palm Coast High School (FPCH in Flagler County). Sims led FPCH in curriculum but also assisted in raising the school's letter grade from a "D" to an "A."

In addition, Dustin Sims was honored with the Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award. Sims led the the awards recognizing outstanding school leaders who have increased student performance, promoted safe learning environments and established successful partnerships with parents and community members.

I am honored to be recognized among outstanding peers, and I have a great appreciation for Flagler County schools, said Sims on Monday. I will never forget the lesson taught to me my first year in administration by Superintendent Oliva: Managers manage things, leaders lead people. I have tried my best to follow that lesson and allow myself each day the privilege of leading others by serving them."

Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart called the two "shining examples" of making students and quality education a top priority.

These outstanding principals and assistant principals are models of exceptional leadership, and possess the vision and motivation necessary to provide an outstanding education in Florida schools," she said.

The recipient of the 2015 Principal of the Year was awarded a cash prize of $5,000 and an exclusive overnight stay at the Cinderella Castle Suite inside the Magic Kingdom Park, along with theme park admission for the winner and his or her guests provided by Disney Youth Programs. The Assistant Principal of the Year received a cash prize of $2,500 and a weekend resort stay at the Walt Disney World Resort and theme park admission, also courtesy of Disney Youth Programs.

ThePrincipal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadershipwas established in 1988 to recognize Florida principals for their contributions to their schools and communities. TheOutstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Awardwas established in 1997 to honor assistant principals that have utilized teamwork and leadership to increase student achievement and greatly improved school environments.