Santa Rosa County schools hire four new principals for 2024-25. Get to know them here.
Summer is winding down, and Santa Rosa County District Schools have four new principals ready to kick off the 2024-25 school year under Superintendent Karen Barber. All four of the principals have served in other roles within the school district and will take over the helm at Gulf Breeze Elementary, Holley-Navarre Primary, East Milton Elementary and Avalon Middle School.
Gulf Breeze Elementary Principal Monica Garcia
Garcia has served as the assistant principal at Oriole Beach Elementary for the past 10 years and has been chosen to serve as the next principal at Gulf Breeze Elementary School. She has served in a variety of roles all over the world as a military spouse. Her husband now serves as the AFJROTC teacher at Gulf Breeze High School, and they have decided to make Gulf Breeze their permanent home with their three children.
'She is eager to continue the legacy of excellence at Gulf Breeze Elementary School," Santa Rosa Country District Schools Public Information Officer Nadia Colin wrote in a statement.
Holley-Navarre Primary Principal Audrey Goodwin
Goodwin, who is joining Holley-Navarre Primary School, has 25 years of experience serving students in a variety of capacities in Santa Rosa County Schools. Most recently, she worked as a principal at SS Dixon Primary School. She has taught several elementary and middle school grade levels, reading recovery and worked as an academic intervention specialist. She and her husband, Joey, who is also a teacher, are high school sweethearts married 25 years. They have two daughters that are both active-duty Army.
"Mrs. Goodwin is excited to build relationships and make an impact at Holley-Navarre Primary School as the principal," Colin wrote in a statement.
East Milton Elementary Principal Trish Johnson
Trish Johnson has been named principal of East Milton Elementary School.
Johnson has 17 years of experience in education and most recently served as the assistant principal at East Bay K-8 for the past three years. She has taught both elementary and middle school.
"She looks forward to being part of the Roadrunner family and supporting continued growth with student achievement," Colin wrote in a statement.
Avalon Middle School Principal Ryan Stokes
Ryan Stokes has been appointed principal of Avalon Middle School.
Stokes just completed his 23rd year in Santa Rosa County School District having served the last 11 years as assistant principal at Sims Middle School. Previously, he was the dean of students at Avalon Middle School. Both he and his wife, Cynthia, and their three children are products of Santa Rosa County District Schools.
"Mr. Stokes shares that he is excited to return to Avalon in a new capacity and looks forward to helping the students grow to their fullest potential," Colin wrote in a statement.