Kenly Elementary's Jeff Cooley named Hillsborough schools' 2026 Principal of the Year
Mann Middle School's Natalie McClain is the district's Assistant Principal of the Year; both go on to state consideration.
TAMPA - Jeff Cooley of Kenly Elementary School is Hillsborough County Public Schools' 2026 Principal of the Year, and Natalie McClain of Mann Middle School is its Assistant Principal of the Year, the district said in an Oct. 29 release.
Superintendent Van Ayres, members of his leadership team and School Board members surprised both winners at their schools Wednesday, the district said.
Cooley became Kenly's principal in 2022. In 2024-25 the school's state grade rose from a C to an A, the first A in its history, and 100% of students showed learning gains in reading, according to the district. Kenly kept its A in 2025-26, raised its overall score by five percentage points and reached 100% learning gains in math. Cooley was previously an assistant principal at Ippolito and James elementary schools.
The transformation at Kenly reflects his intentional leadership, his focus on strong instruction, and his belief in what students and teachers can accomplish together.
The district credited McClain with a focus on strong instruction, collaboration and a positive school culture. Both names will be submitted to the Florida Department of Education for consideration for the statewide honors.
Source: Hillsborough County Public Schools release, "Hillsborough County Public Schools Announce 2026 Assistant Principal and Principal of the Year" (Oct. 29, 2026; read Oct. 30, 2026); Kenly Elementary School.