The Putnam County School District (PCSD) is proud to announce that Tracy Taylor, principal of Mellon Learning Center, has been named a 2024-25 Florida TaxWatch Principal Leadership Award (PLA) winner. This prestigious recognition honors Florida’s most effective principals in high-risk K-12 public schools based on data from the Florida Department of Education.
The Principal Leadership Awards program, established by Florida TaxWatch in 2013, identifies outstanding educational leaders who drive meaningful change in their schools and communities. Unlike nomination-based awards, the PLA program utilizes student performance data to determine the most impactful principals across Florida. This year, only 15 principals statewide were selected for this honor, with Tracy Taylor representing Putnam County among the best in Florida.
PCSD Superintendent Rick Surrency expressed his pride in Principal Taylor’s recognition, stating: “Mrs. Taylor has been a lifelong advocate for students who face challenges. She is very humble and never expects a spotlight to be shined on her. I personally admire her leadership ability to motivate her teachers, staff, and students to do the best they can each and every day!”
In partnership with the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, Florida TaxWatch asks winners of the Principal Leadership Award to nominate a student to achieve an Academic A+ Challenge Match Scholarship. The scholarship provides a student with two years of tuition at a public college or—at a different rate—part of tuition at a university or private institution. The nomination process requires the principal to choose a student who demonstrates exemplary academic achievement, strong character, and community involvement. Principal Taylor nominated Dylan Costa of Mellon Learning Center to be the recipient of the A+ Challenge Match Scholarship. Congratulations Dylan!
Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro emphasized the impact of these leaders, stating: “The Principal Leadership Awards program is the only evidence-based recognition of its kind in Florida, identifying the most effective principals and rewarding them for their exceptional contributions to education.”
PCSD congratulates Tracy Taylor on this well-deserved honor and celebrates the positive impact of her leadership on students and staff. Her commitment to excellence reflects PCSD’s mission to provide quality education and empower students to succeed.
For more information about the Florida TaxWatch Principal Leadership Awards, Click HERE!
For more pictures from the event, Click HERE!