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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.

Angela Brown
Dillard Elementary School

Angela Brown makes a difference at Dillard Elementary School. Through developing relationships and programs, she increased enrollment from 461 students in 2011/12 to 824 students in 2014/15.

Brown created a range of exciting and interactive programs. She developed an iPad pilot program and one-of-a-kind PreK/VPK program. Another program offers fifth grade students the chance to tour major universities, many who will be the first in their families to graduate with a college degree. A new program has been created for students in third and fourth grades to tour local colleges and universities. Brown also created hands-on mentoring programs to ensure students have a positive influence in their lives.

Brown has a direct impact in the daily lives of the students at Dillard Elementary and their families. She is an inspiration to those children and to the entire community.

Estella Eckhardt
Hallandale High School

With three decades of experience in education, Estella Eckhardt embraces her students and their potential at Hallandale High School. Eckhardt transformed the school into an “A” rated school. She showcases the school’s Visible Learning Characteristics throughout the campus and includes expectations for students, teachers, leaders and families.

Eckhardt secured over a quarter of a million dollars in grant funding for the school and partnered with the city of Hallandale Beach. She developed a school-wide literacy initiative and opportunities for students to earn industry certifications.  She constantly focuses on creating opportunities for her students to achieve and instills a vision for success.  

Michelle Kefford
Charles W. Flanagan High Schools

Michelle Kefford challenges and engages students, teachers and administrators at Charles W. Flanagan High School with a relentless passion to excel. Under Kefford’s leadership, Flanagan High received an “A” grade for the first time and has continued to do so under her guidance. She introduced numerous programs to increase reading scores and graduation rates. “Flanagan Reads” infuses reading standards directly into the classroom. Kefford created a graduation task force and “Flanagan Innovation Zone University” for students to set and reach higher goals.

Kefford is always actively seeking involvement with the community. She developed multiple collaborative opportunities and even has students from feeder schools participate with Flanagan High students. Kefford strives to create an educational community that focuses on growth and success of every student. 

Susan Leon-Leigh
Coral Springs High School

Susan Leon-Leigh is an innovative and dynamic educational leader, fostering a culture of high expectations and accountability for students, faculty and staff at Coral Springs High School. As principal of Coral Springs High since 2008, Leon-Leigh strives to continually provide programs, resources and educational opportunities for students to best prepare them for college and careers. She remains focused on providing students with a world-class education, while ensuring teachers and staff work together to support academic achievement.

Leon-Leigh has a passion for education and promotes proactive collaboration. She recognizes the leadership potential in others and works to provide mentorship and new opportunities for interested staff. In all that she does, Leon-Leigh encourages students and staff to exceed expectations and reach their highest potential.

Priscilla Ribeiro
Fort lauderdale High School

The oldest high school in the county had never received an “A” ranking until Priscilla Ribeiro became principal. Ribeiro set a new tone and vision for the under-enrolled Fort Lauderdale High School. In just a year, the school received the College Board’s Gaston Caperton Inspiration award. One out of just three nationwide recipients and the only school in Florida, Fort Lauderdale High was on a new path with positive energy and immense school pride.

The school became a Silver Medal School from U.S. News & World Report and a Magnet School of Excellence from the Magnet Schools of America.  Ribeiro states that her team makes it where “actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more,” and she has in turn made Fort Lauderdale High so much more to its students, staff and the entire community.

Sonja Smith Braziel
Pompano Beach Middle School

Being at the heart of the community, is what drives Sonja Smith Braziel. As principal of one of the most requested magnet programs in the county, Braziel has built academic success and increased student performance at Pompano Beach Middle School, which has a 97% attendance rate average.

The community of learning is not just limited to teachers though. Students chart their weekly assessments with an electronic portfolio and evaluate their data with teachers. This encourages student involvement and accountability from the very start. Braziel encourages staff to attend community events and showcases student work in local forums such as city of Pompano Beach Commission Chamber and department offices, Sample-McDougald House and local organizations.

Under Braziel’s leadership, Pompano Beach Middle won the Magnet School of American Award of Distinction and the unwavering support of her community.