![25 Pinellas schools win national Merit Awards from Magnet Schools of America]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1769092159/pcsborg/i3hfwejmottaxvmvvivd/MSAWeb2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1769092159/pcsborg/i3hfwejmottaxvmvvivd/MSAWeb2026.png","width":500}])
Jan. 22, 2026 - The awards recognize magnet schools for outstanding academics, innovation, leadership and community engagement.
![James B. Sanderlin K-8 teacher Denise White named 2026 Teacher of the Year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1769045655/pcsborg/vuwjpt7vczrhbjbxnig1/DeniseWhite-Thumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1769045655/pcsborg/vuwjpt7vczrhbjbxnig1/DeniseWhite-Thumbnail.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1769045655/pcsborg/vuwjpt7vczrhbjbxnig1/DeniseWhite-Thumbnail.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1769045655/pcsborg/vuwjpt7vczrhbjbxnig1/DeniseWhite-Thumbnail.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1769045655/pcsborg/vuwjpt7vczrhbjbxnig1/DeniseWhite-Thumbnail.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1769045655/pcsborg/vuwjpt7vczrhbjbxnig1/DeniseWhite-Thumbnail.jpg","width":2200}])
![Pinellas County Schools presents Planning for Progress recommendations at School Board Workshop]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1768925536/pcsborg/uye43htzr8dulbx3jojr/PlanningforProgressThumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1768925536/pcsborg/uye43htzr8dulbx3jojr/PlanningforProgressThumbnail.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1768925536/pcsborg/uye43htzr8dulbx3jojr/PlanningforProgressThumbnail.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1768925536/pcsborg/uye43htzr8dulbx3jojr/PlanningforProgressThumbnail.png","width":1080}])
![Multilingual Services Expo showcases community resources and educational opportunities]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1768919214/pcsborg/nl7gqf7m3fxjeadox0pj/Familyphoto.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1768919214/pcsborg/nl7gqf7m3fxjeadox0pj/Familyphoto.png","width":500}])
![Students showcase creativity at the Pinellas County Schools Exceptional Voices K–12 Art Exhibition]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1768916210/pcsborg/wb9ikohqmxhtfjbba26c/ExceptionalVoices2026Th1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1768916210/pcsborg/wb9ikohqmxhtfjbba26c/ExceptionalVoices2026Th1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1768916210/pcsborg/wb9ikohqmxhtfjbba26c/ExceptionalVoices2026Th1.jpg","width":768}])
Kathleen Young-Parker
Minority Achievement Officer
With a career dedicated to educational leadership and instructional excellence, Kathleen S. Young-Parker is a seasoned educator whose impact spans multiple roles within the field of education. Kathleen's journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Florida A&M University, followed by a Master of Education and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University and Argosy University, respectively.
Kathleen's leadership prowess is underscored by her achievements as a principal at various schools across Pinellas County, Florida. Her last role as principal of Campbell Park Elementary showcases her strategic vision and commitment to student success. Under her guidance, Campbell Park Elementary saw remarkable improvements in proficiency rates and learning gains.
Prior to Campbell Park, Kathleen served as Principal at Cypress Woods Elementary 2013 to 2017, where her leadership earned the school the prestigious 5-Star School Award in 2013. Her tenure at Highland Lakes Elementary from 2009 to 2011 and Lakewood Elementary from 2004 to 2009 further exemplified her ability to drive substantial academic improvements and foster a culture of continuous growth.
Beyond her roles as Principal, Kathleen's influence extended to district-level leadership as the Director of Elementary Education for Pinellas County Schools from 2011 to 2013. In this capacity, she formulated strategic plans for curriculum implementation, supported schools under state oversight, and pioneered initiatives such as the Summer Bridge program.
Kathleen's dedication to education is not confined to administrative roles; she actively contributes to the educational community through affiliations with professional organizations such as the Elementary Principals Association and the Florida Association of School Administrators. Her leadership has been recognized with accolades including the Pinellas Association of School Administrators (PASA) Principal of the Year in 2014 and the Pinellas Association of Library and Media Specialist Elementary Principal of the Year in 2011.
Kathleen S. Young-Parker continues to shape the landscape of education through her unwavering dedication to student achievement, instructional leadership, and community empowerment.