![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}])
Paula Texel
Area Superintendent, Area 4
A Pinellas County native, Ms. Texel graduated from Seminole High School and received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Florida. Ms. Texel began her teaching career with Pinellas County Schools in 1992 and taught at 74th Street, Pasadena and Frontier elementary schools. In 2000, she became assistant principal at North Shore Elementary School and then later at Oakhurst Elementary School. Ms. Texel served as principal of Bear Creek Elementary (2005-2011), Lake St. George (2011-2014) and Ponce de Leon elementary (2014-2016). Ms. Texel was recognized as Pinellas County’s Elementary Principal of the Year in 2015. She was appointed as Chief Human Resources Officer in 2016. In January 2025, she was appointed to her current position as Area 4 Superintendent.
Phone: (727) 588-5022