Meet the new principals joining the Volusia, Flagler school districts this year

By Mary Ellen Ritter 

As for Volusia County, at least 14 schools started the year with a new principal. Here are they are. 

Campbell Middle School 

Marcia Owens is the new principal at Campbell Middle School. She began her career in education in 2004, and came to Volusia County Schools from Orange County Public Schools. Owens earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University. 

Champion Elementary

Steffan Mallory is the new principal at Champion Elementary. He has been with Volusia County Schools since 1997, where he started as a teacher at Tomoka Elementary. Since then, he has served as an assistant principal at Discovery Elementary, River Springs Middle, Holly Hill School and Creekside Middle. Mallory earned a bachelor's degree from Bethune-Cookman University and a master's degree from Nova Southeastern University.

Creekside Middle School

Joshua Jackson is the new principal at Creekside Middle School. He began his education career in 2006, and he joined Volusia County Schools as a principal at Pathways Elementary in 2021. He earned both a bachelor's and a master's degree from Northern Kentucky University.

Deltona High School 

Christina Lapnow is the new principal at Deltona High School. She has been with Volusia County Schools since 2006, serving as a teacher at DeLand High and University High and also as an assistant principal at Deltona High. Lapnow earned degrees from Kent State University, Stetson University and Creighton University. 

Discovery Elementary 

Christopher Mertz is the new principal at Discovery Elementary. He began his career in education in 2006, and joined Volusia County Schools after working with Seminole County Public Schools. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of West Florida and a master’s degree from Stetson University.

Holly Hill School 

Jennifer Dietz is the new principal at Holly Hill School. She has been with Volusia County Schools since 2007, starting her career as a teacher at Westside Elementary. Dietz later served as an assistant principal at R.J. Longstreet, Turie T. Small and Champion elementary schools. Most recently, she worked as principal at Discovery Elementary. Dietz earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida and a master’s degree from Arkansas State University. 

Pathways Elementary

Kevin Berry is the new principal at Pathways Elementary. He began his education career in 1998, serving as a teacher, curriculum supervisor and director of curriculum in Alachua County Public Schools. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Florida.

Pine Ridge High School

Julian Doster is the new principal at Pine Ridge High School. He has been with the district since 2012, having taught at New Smyrna Beach Middle School and serving as an assistant principal at Atlantic High School. Doster earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of North Florida and a master’s degree from the University of Central Florida. 

Port Orange Elementary 

Michael Zablo is the new principal at Port Orange Elementary. He has been with Volusia County Schools since 2010, serving as a teacher at Holly Hill School and also an assistant principal at River Springs Middle, Southwestern Middle and Holly Hill School. Zablo earned his bachelor's degree from Florida State University and a master’s from Stetson University. 

Pride Elementary

Carrie Ann Devaney is the new principal at Pride Elementary. Devaney has been with Volusia County Schools since 1998, when she served as an assistant teacher at Sunrise Elementary. Since then, she has served as a teacher, an assistant principal and a teacher at various schools throughout the district. Devaney earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Central Florida and a master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University.

R.J. Longstreet Elementary 

Amy Richardson is the new principal at R.J. Longstreet Elementary. She has been with Volusia County Schools since 2010, serving as a teacher at Indian River Elementary, Spruce Creek Elementary and Beachside Elementary, an assistant principal at Spruce Creek Elementary, and a special assistant principal at Riverview Learning Center. Richardson earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree at the University of Central Florida. 

Southwestern Middle School 

Tai Swift is the new principal at Southwestern Middle School. Swift has been with Volusia County Schools since 2011, previously serving as an assistant principal at Southwestern Middle and Galaxy Middle as well as a teacher at Southwestern Middle. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Bethune-Cookman University, a master’s degree from the University of Central Florida, and a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. 

Sunrise Elementary

Melissa Fratus is the new principal at Sunrise Elementary. She has been with Volusia County Schools since 2002, having previously served as a teacher at DeBary Elementary, Manatee Cove Elementary and River Springs Middle as well as an academic coach at Manatee Cove Elementary. Fratus earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida and a master's degree from Grand Canyon College.

University High School

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