Nassau names top principals

The Nassau County School District’s top two administrators are at western Nassau schools.

Lee Ann Jackson, principal at Hilliard Elementary School, is the district’s Principal of the Year while Melissa Johnson, assistant principal at Callahan Elementary School, is Assistant Principal of the Year. Each has also been nominated for recognition at the state level.

Jackson has been an educator for 36 years, serving in the role of principal for 28 of those years.

According to a school district press release, “She is a strong instructional leader who is committed to promoting student growth and achievement. Under Ms. Jackson’s tenure, Hilliard Elementary School has ranked in the top 5 percent of all elementary schools in the state of Florida. Additionally, for the past three years the school has also been recognized as a School of Excellence for its consistent high student growth and achievement. Ms. Jackson has exemplified herself as an exceptional leader and continues to make a positive impact on Nassau County’s students, teachers, leaders and community.”

Johnson has been an educator for the past 13 years. She began her educational career as a fourth-grade teacher at Hilliard Elementary, where she was recognized as a leader amongst her peers. As a result, she was selected as the 2012 Teacher of the Year for HES and in 2013 was Nassau County’s Teacher of the Year. Johnson is regarded as an effective leader who strives to promote others’ growth.