OAKLEAF – Discovery Oaks Elementary principal Tracy McLaughlin was selected last Monday as the National Distinguished Principal for Florida by the Florida Association of Elementary School Principals.

McLaughlin now will represent Florida in October as she competes for the national title in Washington, D.C.

“This selection validates that Clay County educators, leaders, and support staff can compete with any organization throughout the state and nation. This is a clear indicator that everyone is paying attention to Clay County District Schools in Florida as we have collectively obtained so much for our children and community,” said county superintendent Addison Davis.

According to the FAESP, McLaughlin is a “passionate principal is known as an inspiring leader with a clear, comprehensive plan for improving student achievement. Under her leadership, Ridgeview Elementary moved from a “C’ to “A” school. It had the highest learning gains in Clay County, moving from 406 points to 540 points. Both ELA and Math lower quartile gains increased by more than 20 percent. All of these achievements were accomplished with 70 percent of the children living at or below the poverty level, without Title One funding or support.

“In 2018, McLaughlin was selected to help open and lead the Clay County School District’s first and only STEAM school, Discovery Oaks Elementary.”

McLaughlin said her school thrived because teachers, support staff, parents and students all have a positive mindset.

“They believe they can achieve great things,” she said. “I know we are going to rise to the occasion and our student will achieve great things. The best thing for me has been working with others. I gave my teachers ownership of their classrooms. We created a positive-growth mindset and we all follow that vision of excellence.

“We raised our standards to make sure the kids are getting what they need every day. There has been a lot of amazing things happening. This absolutely is not about me. It’s about a commitment for excellence by our community, our parents, our support group, our school district and our students.”

Davis said Tracy worked diligently to enhance the educational experiences for all by focusing on the intellectual, social and emotional aspects of learning.

“As an educational leader, Tracy has consistently proven the ability and skillset to improve teaching and learning,” he said. “Understanding the complexities linked to increasing student performance, Tracy doubled-down on bridging equity gaps, exposing students to a rich and rigorous curriculum, and empowering teachers to deliver quality lessons that meet the spirit of content-based and grade level standards.

“Once again, I am proud of Tracy and wish her best of luck in the national competition.”

Through its state affiliate, the NAESP National Distinguished Principal program honors elementary and middle-level principals who set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character, and climate for the students, families, and staffs in their learning communities.

“Mrs. McLaughlin’s embodies the qualities of a true servant leader,” said Seth Daub, FAESP president. “Her focus is always based on the needs of individual students. As FAEMSP president and the 2018 NDP from Florida, I am honored and excited for Mrs. McLaughlin to represent Florida as our 2019 NAESP National Distinguished Principal.”