Meet the new Escambia County Public Schools principals for the 2024-25 school year
As parents are wrapping up their summer bucket lists before sending their children back to school next month, Escambia County Public Schools is gearing up to start the 2024-25 school year under Superintendent Keith Leonard.
The school district has hired four new principals to take the reins at the following schools: Pensacola High School, Myrtle Grove Elementary School, Pine Forest High School and George Stone Technical College. Get to know them below.
The school district is still looking to fill positions for the upcoming school year and is holding a hiring event with a focus on educational support and staff professionals from 9-11 a.m. on July 29 at the J.E. Hall Center at 30 E. Texar Drive. Open positions include maintenance, transportation, custodial services, cafeteria/food services and substitute teachers.
Pensacola High School Principal Amy Gordon
Amy Gordon has been hired as principal of Pensacola High School. Gordon has worked for Escambia County Public Schools for 15 years. Prior to becoming principal, she served as an assistant principal at Booker T. Washington High School for eight years. Before becoming an administrator, she served as an English teacher, reading teacher and instructional coach at Tate High School and Escambia High School.
“To me, being a principal means working collectively to positively impact and influence students’ lives, as our students are why we do what we do,” Gordon said. “As principal at Pensacola High School, I am most looking forward to collaborating with our teachers, students, families and shareholders to show Pensacola why PHS is ‘a step above the rest.’”
Myrtle Grove Elementary School Principal Nicole Ard Everette
Nicole Ard Everette has been hired as principal of Myrtle Grove Elementary School. Everette is entering her 24th year serving Escambia County Public Schools. She began her teaching career at Jim Allen Elementary in 2001 and served 17 years as a classroom teacher. She entered a quasi-administrative position and served as the curriculum coordinator at Longleaf Elementary for three years, became a school-based administrator as assistant principal of Ensley Elementary for 1.5 years, served as district administrator as the English language arts subject area specialist for all ECPS secondary schools for 1.5 years. Everette also attended kindergarten through 12th grade in Escambia County Public Schools.
“I am honored to have been selected as principal of Myrtle Grove Elementary School. Being the principal means I will work to build collective teacher and student efficacy. Fostering a school culture that values respect, connectedness, and open lines of communication will positively impact all who enter our school,” she wrote in a statement. “I am looking forward to serving as a transformational leader with daily opportunities to empower students and teachers and build strong connections with families. We have high expectations for all and will celebrate students' successes and nurture goal setting to increase student engagement and achievement. “
“MGE was established in 1877 and is the oldest elementary school in Escambia County,” she continued. “I am thrilled to watch the new school being built right in front of our eyes and usher in a new generation of Tigers who are proud to be part of the Myrtle Grove family.”
Pine Forest High School Principal Melanie McElhaney
Melanie McElhaney has been hired as principal of Pine Forest High School. She has worked for Escambia County Public Schools for 21 years, most recently at Tate High School prior to becoming principal.
“Being selected as principal in our great school district has been a dream come true. I was beyond excited to hear that I was being placed at Pine Forest High School. I am honored to know that the district leadership has confidence in me to make a difference at PFHS. It means the world to me that I have the opportunity to lead a school, join together with the community, and prepare our young people for their future and successes in life no matter the paths chosen. I am a product of Escambia County Schools and I take great pride in working here in the same district that had a monumental impact on my life,” McElhaney wrote in a statement.
“I am most looking forward to building relationships with the students, community, faculty and staff of Pine Forest High School. I want to be every student's ‘champion’. I want them to know how much I believe in them to do whatever they set their minds to and that they can be successful. If they never hear that message from anyone else, they can remember that I believed in them,” she continued.
George Stone Technical College Principal Stephen Brooks
Stephen Brooks has been hired as principal of George Stone Technical College. Brooks has 21 years of experience working for Escambia County Public Schools. He previously worked as an English teacher at West Florida High School, administrative dean at Bailey Middle School, assistant principal at Escambia High School and assistant principal at George Stone Technical College.
“I am honored and blessed to be appointed as principal of George Stone Technical College. I have been fortunate to have served under some incredible leaders and mentors throughout my career, and I am grateful that I get to continue this journey alongside the talented and dedicated faculty and staff of GSTC,” Brooks wrote in a statement. “Our teachers and staff change lives on a daily basis by sharing their workforce experiences and expertise, while helping students obtain and master the technical skills required of their chosen trade. The result is not simply a job, but a pathway to a rewarding career. What a blessing to play a small part in such a transformation! Know the destination - enjoy the journey!”
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Escambia school district principals PHS, MGES, PFHS, GSTC
