NewsTampa Bay TimesOctober 30, 2026Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County Public Schools names Jeff Cooley Principal of the Year and Natalie McClain Assistant Principal of the Year
Photo: Tampa Bay Times
Hillsborough County Public Schools selected Kenly Elementary School principal Jeff Cooley as Principal of the Year for the 2026-27 school year and Mann Middle School administrator Natalie McClain as Assistant Principal of the Year. Both educators were recognized for strong instructional leadership and positive school culture, and they will advance to state-level consideration for the awards.
Read the full story at Tampa Bay TimesWhy It Matters
The recognition places two local administrators in contention for state-level educator awards following documented academic performance gains at Kenly Elementary School.
Key Facts
- Jeff Cooley of Kenly Elementary School was named Hillsborough County’s Principal of the Year for the 2026-27 school year.
- Kenly Elementary School improved from a C to an A grade during the 2024-25 school year and maintained it under Cooley's leadership.
- Natalie McClain of Mann Middle School was named the district's Assistant Principal of the Year.
- Both award recipients will be considered for the state-level principal and assistant principal of the year awards.
Who's Mentioned
locationFlorida“State level recognition location”OrganizationKenly Elementary School“School where Jeff Cooley serves as principal”OrganizationMann Middle School“School where Natalie McClain serves as assistant principal”locationHillsborough County“School district location”PersonNatalie McClain“Assistant principal of Mann Middle School and recipient of Assistant Principal o”OrganizationTampa Bay Times Education Hub“Reporting organization”PersonJeff Cooley“Principal of Kenly Elementary School and recipient of Principal of the Year”PersonVan Ayres“Superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools”