Superintendent Addison Davis announced new leaders for three schools for the 2019 – 2020 school year. All three principals are transitioning from other Clay County schools.
Principal at Ridgeview High School
Mrs. Becky Murphy has been recommended to become the new Principal at Ridgeview High School. For eleven years, Mrs. Murphy served as a middle and high school English teacher before transitioning to administration in 2011. Since then, Mrs. Murphy served as an Assistant, Vice Principal and is currently the Principal at Lake Asbury Junior High School. While at Lake Asbury Junior, Mrs. Murphy worked diligently to provide an educational experience that was motivating, challenging, and rewarding for all students. Under her leadership, Lake Asbury Junior High improved their school grade from a “C” to a systemic “A” rating over the last two years. Mrs. Murphy has a B. A. Degree in English and Secondary Education from Flagler College and M.S. Degree of Education in Educational Leadership from Saint Leo University.
Principal at Lake Asbury Junior High School
Mrs. Mallory McConnell has been recommended to become the new Principal at Lake Asbury Junior High School. Mrs. McConnell is a Clay County resident and product of the Clay County School system. Mrs. McConnell has 11 years of experience in education whereas five years has been at the Principal level. Mrs. McConnell has most recently led Lakeside Junior High School for the past two years. Under her leadership, Lakeside returned its status as one of the top performing schools in Clay County. During her tenure, Lakeside Junior High has become the first Junior High School to offer the Pre-AICE program through the University of Cambridge. Mrs. McConnell has also drastically increased the opportunities for students to access grade level standards in an inclusive environment with their grade level peers. Mrs. McConnell has previous experience as a Principal, Assistant Principal, and classroom teacher as a choral director in Bradford County. She excelled in creating a strong community atmosphere and culture of positivity with all stakeholders. Mrs. McConnell is excited about the opportunity to lead Lake Asbury Junior High School and increase STEAM opportunities for our students. Mrs. McConnell has a Bachelor of Music degree with an Outside Field in Education from Stetson University, a Master of Education degree from The University of West Florida, and a Specialist in Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of West Florida.
Principal at Lakeside Junior High School
Mr. Ivin Gunder has been recommended to become the new Principal at Lakeside Junior High. Mr. Gunder holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography from Jacksonville University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from American College of Education. In his twelve years as a classroom teacher, Mr. Gunder focused closely on reading and literacy skills and established a positive learning culture by emphasizing that every student can succeed. Furthermore, he served as a mentor to aspiring educators. Mr. Gunder spent three years at Lakeside Junior High, serving as the Assistant and Vice Principal and oversaw all aspects of curriculum development. In his current position as Vice Principal at Oakleaf High School, Mr. Gunder has developed the master schedule and offered in-service opportunities to build the capacity of teachers. Mr. Gunder has successfully completed the nationally recognized New Leaders Program in Clay County and is a recent graduate of Leadership Florida, Education Class IV.
“I am excited to place competent, reliable, and proven leaders for the 2019-2020 school year. Each leader has demonstrated the ability and skillset to transform educational practices in Clay County along with improving the instructional experiences. I look forward to supporting the innovative initiatives that each of these leaders will instill within their respective schools,” said Superintendent Addison Davis.
New Principal Meet and Greets with Community
The community, parents, students, and staff are invited to meet with these new principals. Next week, they will have an opportunity to ask questions and understand their visions for the upcoming school year.
