Hillsborough schools name 2026 Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year

Hillsborough County Public Schools named its 2026 Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year on Oct. 28. Superintendent Van Ayres surprised the winners at their schools. Members of his leadership team and the School Board joined him.

Jeff Cooley of Kenly Elementary School is the 2026 Principal of the Year. He became principal there in 2022. In 2024-25, Kenly rose from a C to an A. It was the first A grade in school history. That year, 100% of students showed learning gains in reading.

The school kept its A rating in 2025-26. Its overall score rose by another five percentage points. The school also reached 100% learning gains in math. Cooley earlier worked as an assistant principal at Ippolito and James elementary schools.

Natalie McClain of Mann Middle School is the 2026 Assistant Principal of the Year. The district says she focuses on strong instruction, collaboration and a positive school culture.

"Natalie represents what great school leadership is all about," Ayres said.

The district will submit both names to the Florida Department of Education. The state will consider them for its statewide Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year awards.