Lindsey began her career with HCPS in 2006 as a teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, where she taught 2nd and 3rd grade. In 2015, she transferred to Collins K-8 School, teaching multiple grade levels and serving as a resource teacher.
Since 2021, she has served as an assistant principal at Apollo Beach K-8, supporting both the elementary and middle school levels.
Congratulations, Lindsey! We’re excited to see our Dolphins continue to thrive under your leadership! 🐬
Robert began his career with HCPS in 2005 as a social studies teacher at Dowdell Middle Magnet School through the Florida Troops to Teachers Program.
He entered administration in 2009 as an assistant principal at Ben Hill Middle School and later served at Sligh Middle Magnet School and Sgt. Smith Middle School. In 2019, he was named principal at Sgt. Smith.
We’re excited to see our Bulldogs continue to grow and succeed under your leadership, Robert!
Brooklyn began her career in 2011 as a math teacher in Indiana and served in charter schools from 2012 to 2016. She joined the HCPS family in 2016 at Spoto High School and later moved into administration as an assistant principal at Lennard High School, and most recently, at Williams.
We’re excited for you, Brooklyn, and what’s ahead as you lead our IB students to think boldly, inquire deeply, and achieve more!
Kevin began his career with HCPS in 1999 as a social studies teacher at Wharton High School. He later served as assistant principal at Wharton before becoming principal at Freedom High School in 2015.
Our Sharks are ready to welcome you into the shiver, Kevin! Congratulations!
Chandra began her career with HCPS in 2000 as a VE teacher at Progress Village Middle School. She joined Marshall in 2004, where she has served as a VE and math teacher, resource teacher, success coach, and, most recently, assistant principal.
We are very excited for you, Chandra! We can’t wait to see our Dragons continue to grow and thrive under your leadership. 🐉
Congratulations to Mrs. Jennifer Sanzo, a 4th-grade teacher at Lutz K-8, on being named the winner of our first big #TeacherAppreciationWeek prize… Tampa Bay Lightning first-level tickets, autographed mini hockey sticks, and a signed puck!
Watch the video below of Superintendent Ayres and our Teacher of the Year, Christi Atkinson, surprising her!
https://youtu.be/Dh0X_Idp4vg?si=bXBJjE6JCcMlD7D3
Voter registration drives were conducted at all 29 of our high schools, and the following schools had among the most successful drives, based on the percentage of students registered.
🎉 Sumner High School - Grand Champs
🎉 Brandon High School
🎉 Durant High School
🎉 East Bay High School
🎉 Gaither High School
🎉 Jefferson High School
🎉 Newsome High School
A powerful example of how our schools are preparing students to lead, serve, and participate in their communities!
Episode 13: Christi Atkinson, Teacher of the Year
Each year, we recognize an educator who represents the very best of our profession — someone who inspires students, uplifts colleagues, and reminds us why teaching is one of the most meaningful callings there is. On this episode, we’re joined by our district Teacher of the Year, Christi Atkinson, who is here to share her journey, her passion for teaching, and what this recognition means — not just personally, but for her students and school community.
Listen on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes! 🎙️
🏈 Mandy Sierra, principal of Lake Magdalene Elementary School
🏈 Danielle Acosta, gifted teacher at Limona Elementary School
🏈 Jessica Lovett, ESE paraprofessional at Lithia Springs Elementary School
The Buccaneers also surprised John Newman, our Chief of School Security and Emergency Management, who will be retiring in just a few months.
Chief Newman has been instrumental in school security not just for our district, but for the state and nation. We are beyond grateful for his dedication, impact, and vision in keeping all students and staff in HCPS safe, and we will greatly miss him when he retires.
They were all recognized during tonight’s board meeting.
Students explored the rich history of West Tampa and the Macfarlane Park community 🏫, hearing from local leaders including the Honorable E.J. Salcines and Tampa City Councilman Charlie Miranda. They also had the opportunity to view artifacts that brought the school’s story to life 📸—photos, books, and historical documents spanning the past century 📚.
DECA is more than a competition—it’s where students grow as leaders, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward their future careers.
🎉 Special congratulations to Charlotte McDonough on earning a $500 J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation DECA Scholarship!
We’re excited to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our graduating seniors. Ceremonies will take place May 22–30.
Find schedules, locations, livestream details, and updates here: https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/graduation
Students from the Finance Academies at Armwood, Brandon, Jefferson, and King came together this morning for the NAF Academy of Finance Completers’ Celebration at The Regency in Brandon.
Students heard inspiring words from Jefferson alum and NAF alum speaker Valeria Yepez, keynote speaker Paola Woodruff—VP of Servicing Operations at Grow Financial Credit Union and also a Jefferson graduate!
The highlight of the event: $90,000 in scholarships awarded to Finance Academy students, presented by Chris Taylor, of CT Equity Group, LLC, on behalf of the William A. Gregory Foundation. 🎓💼
Thank you to our incredible educators who work tirelessly to support and uplift our students.
Want to make an impact? Visit TeachHCPS.com
Check our social channels each week for:
✨ Motivating Mondays – Encouragement to start the week strong
🌿 Wellness Wednesdays – Tips and resources for mental wellness
Explore additional resources anytime at https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/mentalhealth
Summer 2026 Drivers Education program registration is now open!
Students ages 15–18 with a valid Florida learner’s license can register for a two-week session at one of seven high school locations. The program cost is $300.
Spots are limited, and are first-come, first-served!
For registration details and more information, please visit https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/o/hcps/page/summer-drivers-education.
Episode 12: Family and Community Engagement
For this episode, we’re talking about something that makes a powerful difference in a child’s education — family and community engagement. We know that student success doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes strong schools, supportive families, and a connected community all working together. When those pieces align, students are more engaged, more confident, and more likely to thrive both in and out of the classroom. Joining the discussion is Dr. Felita Lewis, Executive Director of Family and Community Engagement.
Listen on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes! 🎙️
During the School Board Recognition Meeting on Tuesday, we honored students, staff, schools, and community partners for their remarkable accomplishments in and out of the classroom.
Below are the different groups that were acknowledged:
👏 Healthy Schools Quarterly Champions
👏 Girl Scouts USA's National Lifesaving Awards
👏 The Girl Scouts of the USA Silver Awards
👏 Middle and High School Athletic Champions
👏 Black History Brain Bowl Student Champions
👏 District Social Studies Teachers of the Year
👏 Purple Star Schools of Distinction
👏 Principals in Practice: Excellence in Leadership
👏 Outstanding School Volunteer Awards
👏 Guiding Parents Success
👏 Fathers and Families Initiative
👏 Blossoming Mothers - Parent Empowerment Program
👏 Green Team Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Badge Winners
👏 Energy Star Certified Buildings
