For Immediate Release:   August 24, 2011

 

 

BPS Names Outstanding Principals of 2011

 

VIERA—Superintendent Dr. Brian T. Binggeli announced the 2011 recipients of the Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership.  Two administrators have been recognized for Brevard County, Hilah Mercer, principal of Cambridge Elementary Magnet School, and James Hickey, principal of Andrew Jackson Middle School in 2011 and current Viera High School principal. 

            “These principals have brought success to their schools on many levels and I’m proud that they represent our district,” says Binggeli.  “This award recognizes them as some of the county’s strongest and most capable leaders,” he added.

            The Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership honors principals for their contributions to their schools and communities. It also recognizes their efforts to increase student performance, promote safe learning environments and establish partnerships with parents and community members. The Florida Department of Education, in partnership with the Florida Association of School Administrators, coordinates the awards.

           Mr. Hickey has been with the district since 1985 where he began his career as an English teacher at Johnson Jr. High.  In 1997 he was appointed Assistant Principal at Satellite High and became principal of Jackson Middle in 2004.  He was named the principal for Viera High effective July 20, 2011. He graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Art in Speech and Communication and has a master’s in English from Nova Southeastern University.

            Mr. Hickey states, “I am proud to have been selected to represent the wonderful principals of Brevard County who work hard every day to achieve great things for their students.”  At Jackson, he instituted Lesson Study which team teachers systematically and collaboratively to conduct research tied to lessons, and they use what they learn about student thinking to become more effective teachers.

            Ms. Mercer taught fourth and fifth grade in Seminole County prior to coming to Brevard in 1988.  She was a drop-out prevention teacher at Andersen Elementary and later a primary specialist until 1997 when she was appointed the assistant principal of Roy Allen Elementary in Melbourne.  She became principal of Challenger 7 Elementary in 2001, inaugural principal of Quest Elementary in 2004, and transferred to Cambridge Elementary in 2007. Ms. Mercer has a master’s degree in Exceptional Child Education that she received from the University of Central Florida and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida in Elementary Education.

            Each district is allowed to nominate one principal from its elementary, middle or high schools for state consideration.  Ms. Mercer has been selected as the district nominee to represent Brevard at the state level.  Ms. Mercer stated, “I am humbled by the recognition and honored to represent the outstanding principals of Brevard Public Schools.”  She goes on to say that she is most proud of putting student achievement and well being above all other facets of her job. She focuses her leadership on supporting the strengths of the dedicated teachers she has had the privilege to work with to enrich the lives of children. Her goal is to work collaboratively with staff, students, families, and the community to develop lifelong learners.

            The Florida Department of Education will honor all district nominees later this fall.

 

-BPS-