For Immediate Release
Contact: Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Office of Communications
813-272-4060
School Board Selects Kenneth E. Adum as Name for New PreK-8 Magnet School
Tampa, Fl. (October 17, 2023) –The Hillsborough County School Board voted on Tuesday to select Kenneth E. Adum PreK-8 Magnet School as the name of our new school set to open in August 2024. More than 1,500 names were submitted by the community for consideration.
The public had been invited to offer recommendations for the name of the new school, which will be located at 4210 W. Bay Villa Ave., in Tampa. The facility will have an 1,800-student capacity and will include prekindergarten through 8th grade.
Mr. Adum worked in Hillsborough County Public Schools for 37 years, starting in 1970 as a social studies teacher at Booker T. Washington Junior High, and working his way up to Gaither High School’s principal. Ken Adum was named Principal of the Year three times during his tenure in the district. He served as a regional superintendent for three years before retiring in 2006. During his retirement, he spent time mentoring new teachers and administrators. A photo of Mr. Adum is attached. In addition, please see the attached photo of Mr. Adum's family and friends who were in attendance at the Board meeting for the vote.
Former colleagues and friends described him as a “true servant,” “compassionate leader”, and a “gift to Hillsborough County Public Schools.” Mr. Adum passed away in April 2021 after a long battle with cancer.
“I am just beyond honored that the Board chose my dad, Ken Adum, to represent a school based on his dedication, integrity and service to Hillsborough County Public Schools—the students, staff, families, entire community that he was so proud to serve for and support here in Hillsborough County," said Amie Adum Simmons-MacLauchlan, daughter of Kenneth E. Adum.
According to School Board policy, school sites and facilities shall be named for individuals who have rendered outstanding public service to public education, for geographical locations, and for groups and clubs as indicated: elementary, middle, and secondary schools – for U.S. Presidents, school board members, educators, outstanding citizens and geographical locations. An elected official proposed for a school name shall have left public office for a period not less than five years. No candidate for public office shall be considered. No school site or facility shall be named for a living person.
Families can apply for their child to attend Kenneth E. Adum PreK-8 Magnet School during the fall School Choice and Magnet Application Window, opening from November 1 through December 15, by visiting our website at Choice / Overview (hillsboroughschools.org).
