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Palm Beach school board approves personnel addendum, introduces nine new principals
Summary
The Palm Beach County School Board approved a personnel addendum and introduced nine new principals for the coming school year, with Superintendent Michael Burke saying the hires will put principals in place earlier to prepare for August openings.
The Palm Beach County School Board unanimously approved a personnel addendum and introduced nine newly appointed principals for elementary and specialty schools, Superintendent Michael Burke said on June 3.
Burke opened the board’s remarks by congratulating the Class of 2026 and credited district teams for graduation logistics and live streaming. He told the board that, “based on your action this evening with the approval of your personnel addendum, we will have a principal in place for every school for the upcoming school year,” noting that getting leaders on board earlier provides more time to prepare.
Why it matters: Earlier principal placements give new school leaders time to meet staff and families, finalize school plans and set academic priorities months before the first day. Board members said the appointments reduce summer uncertainty and support continuity at schools that have seen leadership turnover.
The board heard individual introductions from the deputy superintendent and each new principal. Deputy Superintendent Jamie Wyatt presented the slate and invited principals to address the board. Among those introduced were Samantha Estupenon at Orchard View Elementary, Koi Lazier at Heritage Elementary, Naen Woolly at Palm Springs Elementary, Michelle Jeffrey at Hammock Point Elementary, Jennifer Mooney at Golden Grove Elementary, Laura (Lauren) Hman at Jerry Thomas Elementary, Chitaara (Jatara) Simmons at Roosevelt Elementary, Adrien Dada at West Technical Education Center and Joseph Cortez at Historic Carver Technical Education Center. Several principals described their priorities in brief remarks: Estupenon said she will “lead with consistency and purpose,” and Cortez emphasized expanding dual-enrollment and career-technical pathways.
Board action and votes: Earlier in the meeting Chair Bril added the P2 personnel addendum for good cause. Mr. Ferguson moved to approve the agenda and Miss Whitfield seconded; the board approved the agenda unanimously. Later, Miss Whitfield moved the personnel addendum and Miss Andrews seconded; the motion carried unanimously. The board did not record a roll-call tally beyond noting unanimous approval.
What’s next: The district will post updates and website enrollment information at palmbeachschools.org. Superintendent Burke and district leaders said staff will support principals as they assume duties ahead of the August start of the school year.
Attribution: Quotes and attributions come from remarks made by Superintendent Michael Burke, Deputy Superintendent Jamie Wyatt and the principals as recorded during the June 3 meeting.
