Jan 31st, 2013

LAKE WALES – Superintendent Jesse L. Jackson and the Assistant Principal Search Committee announced today (Jan. 31) the appointment of Stacie Padgett as the Assistant Principal of Hillcrest Elementary School.

“Congratulations to Mrs. Padgett and the Hillcrest staff,” said Gail Quam, chair of the Search Committee and principal of Polk Avenue Elementary. “I know that Mrs. Padgett has a heart for Hillcrest, and will work with Principal Jennifer Barrow and your amazing staff to assist the Hawks in continuing to soar and reach new heights.”

Padgett most recently has served as Interim Assistant Principal for Hillcrest Elementary. Her professional background includes 16 years of hands-on teaching experience and six years of instructional/administrative support – all spent in Lake Wales at Hillcrest Elementary.

Padgett has a masters degree in Educational Leadership (Walden University, Baltimore MD), as well as a bachelors degree in elementary education (University of Central Florida, Orlando). She holds several education certifications, and has worked on many community, school and LWCS system projects, including the federal application for the Title II grant.

Nearly 50 candidates applied for the position. The Search Committee screened the applications, and conducted several interviews before making final recommendations to Superintendent Jackson. The Search Committee included four current principals in the Lake Wales Charter Schools and other representatives from Hillcrest.