2026–2027 Principal of the Year Top Five Finalists

Great schools begin with great leadership!

Leon County Schools is proud to announce our 2026–2027 Principal of the Year Top Five Finalists!
Please join us in congratulating these outstanding school leaders:

• Dr. Allen Burch – Lincoln High School
• Joe Burgess – Chiles High School
• Kim McFarland – Roberts Elementary School
• Michele Keltner – DeSoto Trail Elementary School
• Demetria Clemons – Sealey Elementary School

These five principals exemplify the dedication, vision, and commitment to student success that make our schools stronger every day.
One finalist will be named the 2026–2027 Leon County Schools Principal of the Year and will advance as our district's nominee for the Florida Department of Education's Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership.

Congratulations to our five finalists on this well-deserved recognition! We also thank all of our LCS principals for their tireless dedication to students, staff, and families.

Great leadership changes lives, and its impact reaches far beyond the classroom!