12 Collier schools will have new principals on the first day of school

Twelve Collier schools will have new leadership at the helm on the first day of school this year.

Three principals are moving up, one outside principal will join the district and eight returning principals will transfer to new positions on Aug. 13.

Principal changes happen for a variety of reasons, including retirement, relocation, promotions and matching skill sets, Collier County schools spokesman Chad Oliver wrote in an email.

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Administrators can also seek out different levels like elementary, middle or high schools, or types of schools, from Title I  schools to schools with high or low socioeconomic status levels, he wrote. 

Oliver wrote that there is not a formal document or process for making requests for administrative changes.  

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Naples Park Elementary, Michelle Auger

Auger, who starts as Naples Park Elementary's principal this fall, is the only outside hire for the district. Auger comes from Hampstead, New Hampshire, according to the district.

For 14 years, Auger served as principal at Pollard Elementary School in Plaistow, New Hampshire.

Highlands Elementary, Margaux Horne

Horne is moving up from assistant principal of curriculum and instruction at both Lake Trafford and Estates elementary schools to lead Highlands Elementary. She started at Collier County schools in 2010.

Parkside Elementary, Melanie Fike

Fike joined Collier County schools 15 years ago. She previously worked at Mike Davis Elementary.

Mike Davis Elementary, Tamie Stewart

Stewart has worked as a classroom teacher, dean of discipline and assistant principal over her 31 years in Collier County schools.

Stewart previously work at Parkside Elementary. 

Sea Gate Elementary, Meredith Kirby

A native Floridian, Kirby started at Collier County schools in 2010. Most recently, Kirby worked as principal of Naples Park Elementary. 

Village Oaks Elementary, Beverly Budzynski

Budzynski started her career in education in 1986. She previously served as principal of Sea Gate Elementary.

Cypress Palm Middle School, Debbie Cox

Cox started at Collier County schools in 1995. Cox moved up from her previous role as assistant principal at Barron Collier High School. 

North Naples Middle School, Kimberly Lonergan

Originally from New York City, Lonergan joined Collier County schools in 2010. She will transfer from her previous position as principal of Oakridge Middle School to join North Naples Middle School this fall.

Oakridge Middle School, Margaret Jackson

Jackson spent 15 years at North Naples Middle School before starting her new role as principal of Oakridge Middle School. Jackson served as assistant principal and principal at North Naples Middle. 

Palmetto Ridge High School, Jim Ragusa

Ragusa served as principal of Everglades City School for four years. Ragusa volunteered and helped to feed families throughout Everglades City following Hurricane Irma in 2017.

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Barron Collier High School, Jon Bremseth

For the past six years, Bremseth served as principal at Palmetto Ridge High School. Bremseth will be the new principal for Barron Collier High School this fall. Bremseth started at Collier County schools in 2000. 

Everglades City School, Cheryl Allison

Cheryl Allison will join as principal of Everglades City School this fall. Allison moved up after her two-year role as assistant principal at Gulfview Middle School.

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