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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.

Dr. Jermaine Fleming
Nova Middle School

As a leader, Jermaine Fleming’s priority is building capacity. He believes that finding and developing the best teachers and administrators are critical components of the academic culture. Fleming also believes that middle school students can benefit from more rigorous courses and high school credit courses, such as law studies, debate, industry certification in Adobe Photoshop, and a variety of enrichment courses, which are part of his school’s offerings.

In four years as principal at Nova Middle, Fleming has used his leadership skills to recruit and develop other educators and administrators.

Dr. Lewis Jackson
Dania Elementary School

An advocate for students, Lewis Jackson views the role of principal as instrumental to the culture of education and student achievement. When he became principal of Dania Elementary, his primary challenge was to rebuild staff morale and stakeholder involvement, while striving for greater achievement for all students.

Jackson believes high-quality personnel almost always trump programs. In addition to developing a strong team at Dania Elementary, he shares his passion and professionalism by teaching aspiring leaders, and serves as a mentor and coach to other principals.

Dr. Karlton Johnson
Blanche Ely High School

When Dr. Karlton Johnson arrived at Blanche Ely High School eight years ago, enrollment was declining, the physical facility was in poor condition and students were not engaged. His goal was to transform the school to create a stronger community, and to help students embrace their educational opportunities. Since 2010, the school has improved its state letter grade to a “B,” enrollment has increased and dual enrollment has grown. The overall graduation rate at Blanche Ely High is now the highest in the school’s history at 90 percent, and the graduation rate for black male students is the second highest in the District. Ninety-six percent of Blanche Ely High magnet students attend four-year colleges and universities, and many earn scholarships. Through Johnson’s committed leadership, Blanche Ely High has received numerous awards and recognitions for students and staff achievement, and continues to pursue its mission of providing an inclusive learning community for all students.

Ernie Lozano
James S. Hunt Elementary School

Recognizing school grade data was on a downward trend, Ernie Lozano introduced a new leadership style to James S. Hunt Elementary that eliminated top-down management, desks lined in rows, and teachers using worksheets to direct student learning. Over a four-year period, teachers today collaboratively facilitate leadership and student learning. Reading, writing, math and science scores and proficiencies have increased significantly.

Visible and involved with teachers, students and families, Lozano also leads by example among his peers. He serves as a mentor and shares best practices with District programs.

Jon Marlow
Deerfield Beach High School

A visible and trustworthy visionary, Jon Marlow’s focus is on the future of Deerfield Beach High. He created a climate for academic excellence and social development. Marlow implements programs that foster emotional, physical and academic well-being for all students. He has achieved this at Deerfield Beach High by reversing poor performance and finding solutions for problems associated with student behavior.

The school has improved its state letter grade from a C to an A in 2015, and its graduation rate has increased significantly.

Elaine Saef
Panther Run Elementary School

Elaine Saef views her role as principal as one of removing barriers and providing essentials, while leading and inspiring teachers to teach and students to learn. During her tenure at Panther Run Elementary, she created two signature programs: Pay it Forward and What I Am Makes A Difference. These award-winning innovations are unique school strengths and are effective in developing a caring culture in the school and community. She has developed a positive school culture that effectively puts students first, emphasizes academics, and builds teacher trust and adaptability.