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Recognizing and Celebrating Broward County Public Schools Outstanding Teachers, Principals, Assistant Principals and School-Related/District Employees.

The Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year Awards recognize outstanding school administrators for their exemplary contributions to students, schools and communities. Through their innovative leadership and dedication to academic excellence, they have increased student and school performance and have established safe learning environments for our children. These individuals have utilized teamwork and leadership skills to increase student performance, and promote safe learning environments, often through establishing partnerships with parents and community members.

Marc Charpentier
Sunset Lakes Elementary School

Marc Charpentier has a longstanding history of creating high expectations for his students and staff, resulting in increased student achievement. Sunset Lakes Elementary School recently became the first elementary school in BCPS to become a Cambridge International School, which measures student progress based on internationally recognized standards. Charpentier is an advocate for the advancement of educational technology, and ensures that every classroom is equipped with smart boards, computers and iPads for students.

He maintains a strong connection with the community and generates funding to create new programs and initiatives, including a robotics program for students.

Dr. Lewis Jackson
Dania Elementary School

Dr. Lewis Jackson is on a mission of educational excellence at Dania Elementary School supported by his staff, and students are excelling and achieving. He is recognized as a catalyst in his school and school community, and engages his school in numerous collaborative efforts with a goal to increase student achievement. Jackson believes the dedication and commitment of his teachers and staff almost always outshines programs.

In addition to developing a strong team at Dania Elementary, he shares his passion and professionalism by teaching aspiring leaders, and serving as a mentor and coach to peer principals.

Christopher McGuire
Broward Virtual School

Through the leadership of Christopher McGuire, Broward Virtual School is the first public school in Florida offering students the ability to earn their diplomas exclusively online. McGuire is a staunch advocate for personalized learning through the use of educational technology, and provides innovative opportunities for students in grades K-12 to access learning from anywhere in the world. Broward Virtual achieved a graduation rate of 95 percent in 2016. McGuire works diligently to ensure that full-time students working outside of the traditional classroom get involved in clubs, organizations and community service activities.

Keith Peters
Gator Run Elementary School

Known for his unique and creative ideas, Keith Peters has transformed Gator Run Elementary School into a leader for innovative practices. He evoked meaningful thought and conversation around the value of failure, to help students to learn perseverance through adversity. Peters utilizes varying social media platforms to connect his school community.

He is recognized as a role model for other educators on the use of technology and stays connected digitally, mentoring educators around the world to share ideas and best practices.

Elaine Saef
Panther Run Elementary School

As principal at Panther Run Elementary School, Elaine Saef views her role as one of removing barriers. She is known for creating and implementing programs and activities that motivate and inspire teachers to educate students to achieve their highest potential.

Saef is dedicated to developing an inclusive school environment and a positive school culture that effectively puts students first, emphasizes academics, and builds teachers trust and adaptability. As a dynamic and engaging leader, Saef constantly challenges her school community to excel.

Ty Thompson
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

With a strong passion for academics, attendance and activities, Ty Thompson, principal at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, is known as “The Master” scheduler. He develops, implements and maintains a comprehensive schedule of course offerings to serve the needs of all students, while mentoring colleagues through the complexities of creating an effective master schedule. Thompson believes that for a school to succeed, students and faculty must have spirit and pride. As an effective leader, Thompson is guided by his mission statement to maintain a safe, secure and engaging environment where students are encouraged to think critically, communicate and collaborate, to ensure they are prepared for life after high school.