Teacher Of The Year
Cari Rodriguez
Harbordale Elementary School

Cari Rodriguez, a 21-year veteran educator, has spent the last six years at Harbordale Elementary School, where she serves as the literacy coach. Whenever possible, she combines fun with learning. “Student achievement is my inspiration,” says Rodriguez. “Whether building an igloo while studying the Inuit, eating pasta puttanesca while reading, or dancing and singing to multiplication facts, I want my students to enjoy learning.

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Principal of the Year
Melissa Holtz
Wilton Manors Elementary School

Melissa Holtz has served as principal for the past eight years at Wilton Manors Elementary School, home to the District’s only International Baccalaureate Primary Years magnet program. Focusing on the growth of the whole child, she believes it’s her job to ensure students in her care are uplifted every day. “Not every child is the same. Some are book smart, some are artistically talented and some struggle every day academically,” said Principal Holtz. “All children, no matter their story, can be changed forever by the words and actions of those around them.” 

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Assistant Principal of the Year
Sean Curran
Fort Lauderdale High School

Sean Curran has served as assistant principal at Fort Lauderdale High School for the past five years. “I’ve been fortunate to work with and inspire some of the most brilliant students to achieve great things, and to work with and inspire struggling students to reach their fullest potentials,” said Curran. “We need to ensure that we provide a learning community that allows students the freedom to explore their place in the world and instill in them the confidence to pursue their goals.”

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School-Related Employee of the Year
Jane Fleming
Pioneer Middle School

Jane Fleming is the confidential office manager at Pioneer Middle School, where she has served students and families for 28 of her 30 years in the District. In addition to her assigned duties and responsibilities, Fleming assumes a multitude of tasks each day and is also the principal’s secretary. Impeccable, self-motivated, exceptional knowledge in her field and well organized, are just a few of the words used by colleagues to describe her work.

See the 2020 finalists