Winston Park Families Welcome New Principal

by David Volz July 23, 2025

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Principal Devon O’Neal. {David Volz}

Devon O’Neal is the new principal of Winston Park Elementary School.

He began his leadership role with a Meet the Principal Night and social event in the school’s cafeteria. A large group of school families, city leaders, and school administrators attended the event.

A positive learning environment is essential for the school to be successful. During his presentation, O’Neal said he wants to have a “Chick-fil-A level” service from administrators and teachers. “I believe in consistency, good communication, and having an open-door policy.” He told the families, “I will be visible on campus.”

Winston Park has experienced a decline in student enrollment, and O’Neal is aware that public schools are facing competition from private schools and charter schools.

“I will work to make sure that all students have a positive experience here because I want families to believe we offer a great education,” he said.

Winston Park Elementary assistant principal Mark Andriesse, North Regional director of the teaching and learning Melissa Gurreonero and new Winston Park Elementary School principal Devon O’Neal. {David Volz}

O’Neal is coming from Orange Brook Elementary School in Hollywood, where he served as principal for nine years. He played football at Dillard High School and Eastern Illinois University and has football memorabilia in his office. “People ask me why I don’t have degrees on my walls. I have football jerseys because many students relate to that,” he said.

After the presentation, O’Neal spent time meeting with parents and children. “I am excited to be here, and I want to focus on student success,” he said.

Melissa M. Gurreonero, Director of Teaching and Learning for the North Regional Office, said, “I am excited to have O’Neal on our team and believe he will do great things here.”

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.