New Marjory Stoneman Principal Once a Teacher at the School

by Sharon Aron Baron May 13, 2019

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Michelle Kefford

By: Sharon Aron Baron

Just days after Ty Thompson announced his resignation as principal of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, a new principal has been recommended to the school board.

Michelle Kefford, an educator for over 20 years, was most recently principal at Charles W. Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines.

Since 2011. under her leadership, Flanagan High earned its first ever “A” and has received an “A” for six out of the seven years she served as principal. During her tenure, she initiated several programs, including “Kefford’s Kids,” a mentoring program, and “Falcon Flyers,” an initiative that enables middle school students to earn high school credits at Flanagan High.

Kefford began her career as a biology teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High (1999 – 2005), before becoming an assistant principal at Western High School (2005 – 2010), followed by assistant principal at Boyd Anderson High School (2010 – 2011). Her leadership skills and experience led her to being named principal at Flanagan High (2011 – 2019).

In March, the Florida State Board of Education named Kefford the 2019 Florida Principal of the Year, and last school year Broward County Public Schools named Kefford the 2018 Broward Schools Principal of the Year.

As a passionate educator and BCPS graduate, she has held various positions on district committees; volunteers on several city and county committees; and works continuously to build school pride and staff morale. For Kefford, high-quality education is a family tradition, as she is the proud daughter of retired teachers.

Today, Superintendent Robert W. Runcie announced his recommendation for Kefford to be the new principal at the Parkland school, pending school board approval. Her new role would begin July 1, 2019.