Crystal Lake Elementary's Marlene Taveras and Lakeland High's Jeffrey Barr are Polk's 2026-27 principals of the year. Both now go forward for the state awards.
Both of Polk County’s top school leadership awards for 2026-27 went to Lakeland schools.
Marlene Taveras, principal of Crystal Lake Elementary, is the district’s Principal of the Year. Jeffrey Barr, assistant principal of curriculum at Lakeland High, is Assistant Principal of the Year. Polk County Public Schools announced the winners on Oct. 28.
A panel of regional superintendents chose the two from a field of finalists, and district leadership approved the picks, the district said. Both now go forward for consideration as the Florida Department of Education’s Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year.
A turnaround school in east Lakeland
Crystal Lake Elementary is on Galvin Drive and has served the Crystal Lake neighborhood in east Lakeland for more than 60 years, according to the school.
When Taveras applied to lead it, the school had long struggled to make academic gains and was on a state-required “turnaround” plan, the district said. Since then, the district said, the school has “consistently increased and stabilized its grades.” Students have also shown widespread improvement in both academics and behavior, it said.
“When students enter Crystal Lake Elementary today, it’s a completely different environment than before,” Taveras said in the district’s announcement. “Our turnaround wasn’t an accident. It was built by taking one intentional step at a time, targeting the practices that lead to real progress, and building a team that cares deeply about the success of every student.”
Lakeland High’s gains
At Lakeland High, the district credited Barr’s work with:
- significant gains in science and math
- notable progress among struggling learners and students with disabilities
- high rates of students taking AP exams and passing college courses
- a graduation rate of nearly 95%
“Students leave Lakeland High performing at higher levels than when they entered,” Barr said. “When educators work together with purpose and maintain an unwavering focus on student success, meaningful outcomes are possible for everyone.”
The other finalists
The district also named 10 other finalists.
| Award | Finalist | School |
|---|---|---|
| Principal | Tangela Durham | Scott Lake Elementary |
| Principal | Sarah Miranda | Snively Elementary |
| Principal | April Sumner | Jean O’Dell Learning Center |
| Principal | Amy Weingarth | Dr. N.E. Roberts Elementary |
| Principal | Alissiea Wilder | Daniel Jenkins Academy |
| Assistant principal | Jennifer Brown | Lake Alfred Elementary |
| Assistant principal | Kristi Cox | Combee Academy |
| Assistant principal | Robin Everage | Highland City Elementary |
| Assistant principal | Katelyn Gregory | Crystal Lake Middle |
| Assistant principal | Madison Paye | Horizons Elementary |
The district said the winners were to be honored at its Inspire Awards on Friday night at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. The event, presented by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, also names Polk’s 2026-27 Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year. The district had not posted those winners by Saturday morning.
What it means for you
- If your child attends Crystal Lake Elementary or Lakeland High, their school’s leaders are now in the running for statewide recognition from the Florida Department of Education.
- Not sure which school your address is zoned for? The district’s school zone search will tell you. Our Lakeland schools guide covers enrollment, calendars and school choice.
- Polk is also consulting families on new middle school boundaries. Read our coverage of the middle school rezoning town halls.
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