Corey Ann Smith Named Finalist for Broward County Schools Principal of the Year

Cory Ann Smith of Ramblewood Middle School

By: Sharon Aron Baron

Ramblewood Middle School parents will be proud that one of the top finalists in the 2019 Broward County Public Schools Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year Awards is one of their own.

Cory Ann Smith has been named a finalist for Principal of the Year. After being with the Coral Springs school for the past five years, she said she believes leadership is defined by how leaders face challenges and controversy.

“One of my primary goals as the principal is to create a culture of shared decision-making, authentic teacher collaboration, and data-driven instruction influenced not only by test scores, but by deeply examining each individual student’s needs and background.”

Susan Leon-Leigh, director of Professional Development Standards said Smith is a valuable and highly respected leader.

“Her staff describes her as a visionary who clearly communicates her beliefs in lifelong learning, collaboration and teacher leadership. She is an outstanding leader who builds capacity to enable the leadership abilities of others to flourish.”

Each year, the District seeks to recognize school leaders who go beyond the day-to-day demands and expectations of their position, to create exceptional educational environments.

Other BCPS Principal of the Year Finalists:

Phillip Bullock

Philip Bullock, Walker Elementary School

Philip Bullock is serving his fourth year as principal at Walker Elementary School in Fort Lauderdale. Throughout his 30-year career in education, Bullock has been committed to ensuring that all students receive the same opportunities. “I strongly believe that to improve student achievement, you need more than just strong programs – you need great people,” said Bullock, whose mission is to make Walker Elementary School a top elementary school.

“Mr. Bullock is instrumental in ensuring students have every opportunity needed to succeed,” said School Advisory Forum Chair Debbie Defoe. “He has initiated numerous new projects and programs for our children.” He is a true proponent of Walker Elementary School’s motto – “Teamwork and collaboration set the course for high student achievement and success.”

Kathryn Marlow

Kathryn Marlow, Seminole Middle School

Kathryn Marlow has served for nearly a decade as principal at Seminole Middle School in Plantation. She is a firm believer of positive relationships between students and teachers. “I believe a school leader’s number one responsibility is to create a positive school culture that extends into its surrounding community,” said Marlow. “It’s only then that successful learning can take place.”

“Mrs. Marlow is a fearless leader who has a strong and clear vision and the unwavering ability to make things happen,” said Assistant Principal Jill Fiorentino. “She puts herself in the trenches with her faculty and helps them overcome the obstacles by constantly collaborating with her leadership team and colleagues around the District.”

BCPS Assistant Principal of the Year Finalists:

Mary Barba

Mary Barba, Sheridan Technical College and High School

Mary Barba has served as assistant principal at Sheridan Technical College and High School in Fort Lauderdale for the last four years. Her philosophy on education is simple – learn for the sake of education, not for the reward. “I get excited about engaging in academic conversation, hoping to share best practices and gleaning ideas from colleagues,” said Barba. “The success in my school is born from a team effort based on trust, divergent views and a unity of purpose. I love that I get to be part of their lives right before they venture off into the world and begin their next chapter.”

“I am most impressed with her dedication and willingness to go beyond the required duties assigned to her,”

said Thomas Moncilovich, Sheridan Technical College director. “She has a team player mindset, enthusiastic embrace of change, the ability to work with minimal supervision, and an unwavering commitment for student success.”

Erin Brown

Erin Brown, Hollywood Hills High School

Erin Brown has been assistant principal for seven years at Hollywood Hills High School. “Over the last seven years at Hollywood Hills High School, I have inspired my staff and students to achieve greatness in all curriculum areas, while inspiring leaders and partnering with community stakeholders to bring change to our school,” said Brown. “An important virtue of an assistant principal is the ability to foster growth and build leadership capacity within and outside of the building in which one works. Every day I get to inspire others to dream more, do more, learn more and become more than they could ever imagine.”

“Ms. Brown is dedicated to improving teaching, learning, assessment, and implementing new practices and programs, said Principal Lourdes Gonzalez. “She excels in creating a school climate that is warm, inviting, safe and secure. She has been instrumental in ensuring that each student has the best possible chance of realizing his or her success.”

Dr. Moira Sweeting-Miller

Dr. Moira Sweeting-Miller, Monarch High School

Dr. Moira Sweeting-Miller has served 10 years as assistant principal at Monarch High School in Coconut Creek. Sweeting-Miller is dedicated to encouraging students and teachers to become lifelong learners and to strive for excellence. “I believe that building positive relationships is important to creating real success,” said Sweeting-Miller. “Communication is a key factor, because without communication between all stakeholders, it would be difficult to get things accomplished. Working with my teachers and supporting what they do, helps me build connections with them.”

“Building relationships is one of her many assets. She has strong people skills and has earned a reputation as someone who listens and takes into consideration the opinion of others,” said Principal James Neer. “She has been an asset to our leadership team at Monarch High School. She continually looks for ways to improve student instruction with her teachers.”

These extraordinary leaders in education will be honored at the 2019 Caliber Awards ceremony, recognizing the District’s outstanding teachers, principals, assistant principals and school-related/District employees who exemplify excellence in their profession.

The ceremony takes place on Thursday, February 21, 2019, at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

Author Profile

Sharon Aron Baron

Editor of Talk Media and writer for Coral Springs Talk. CST was created in 2012 to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Coral Springs and the rest of South Florida.