BCPS Announces 2026 Caliber Awards Nominees
October 4, 2025
Broward County Public Schools will honor its top educators and leaders at the 2026 Caliber Awards, the District’s premier recognition event. The annual ceremony highlights excellence among principals, assistant principals, teachers and school-related employees.
This year’s event is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6, at the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center.
Focus on Principals and Assistant Principals
While the Caliber Awards recognize a wide range of educators, the Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year categories underscore the vital role school leaders play in guiding both instruction and community engagement. Nominees in both categories represent leaders who inspire staff, engage students and strengthen school communities across the district.
“The Caliber Awards remind us that leadership is not just about managing a school,” said Lisa Maxwell, executive director of the Broward Principals’ and Assistants’ Association. “It’s about inspiring people, shaping futures and creating spaces where both students and staff feel empowered to succeed. Our nominees reflect the very best of that vision.”
Recognizing All Award Categories
The evening also recognizes the vital contributions of Teachers of the Year and School-Related Employees of the Year, reflecting the shared commitment of the entire school community.
“The Caliber Awards highlight the collective effort it takes to educate and uplift our students,” said Dr. Mark Kaplan, President of the Broward Principals’ and Assistants’ Association. “From principals to paraprofessionals, every nominee represents the heart of Broward’s schools and the dedication that makes our school communities strong.”
Looking Ahead
As the community gathers on Feb. 6, the Caliber Awards will honor individuals whose leadership and service continue to shape the future of education in Broward County.
Principal of the Year Nominees
Cassandra Adderley • Jacqueline Arnaez • Gretchen Atkins-Brown • Ryan Atwood • Shawn Aycock • Erin Brown • James Cecil • Cynthia Felton • Brad Fatout • Emily Gonzalez • Valerie Harris • Christopher Johnson • Leena Itty • Robert Pappas • Keith Peters • Cormic Priester • Tariq Qaiyim • Lavina Robinson • Dr. Riquelme Rodriguez • Russell Schwartz • Lindsey Sierra • Susan Suarez • John Vetter • Tavures Williams • Jonathan E. Williams • Jennifer Woertz-Kashdin • Dr. Louis Kushner • Dr. Jonathan Leff • Lisa Livingston • Michelle Engram McKnight • Nikia McDowell • Dr. Nicole Nearor • Charisse Merchant-James • Nancy Long
Assistant Principal of the Year Nominees
Ricardo Angus • Briana Ashley • Mary Barba • Linda Bailey • Nicholas Brown • Lisa Campolo • Theodore Campo • Lourdes Cruz • Suzan De Meo • Cristina Deatherage • Andria Doughty • Lisa Farris • Nicole Finkel-Myones • Ronnie Frazier • Jennifer Glancy • Candace Goode • Mark Hoffman • Marc Horowitz • Lauren Jack • Janet Jackson • Jennifer Kinggard • Suzanne Keneth • Anna Koltunova-Fleischer • Helen Kocis • Suzett Ledesma • Sharnett Morris • John Murray • Tom Nordstrom • Diana Ospina • Kaia Qaiyim • JoAnn Ruiz • Jorge Souza • Frank Jones
