The St. Johns County School District (SJCSD) has appointed Webster School Assistant Principal Tiffany Cantwell as the new principal of Ocean Palms Elementary School (OPES).
Cantwell will replace Jessica Richardson, who was approved by the school board earlier this month as the new principal of K-8 school “KK” currently being constructed in Nocatee. Cantwell’s nomination will be presented to the school board at its Jan. 9 meeting.
Cantwell is currently serving the district as its Outstanding Assistant Principal for the 2017-2018 school year. She has over 16 years of educational experience, joining SJCSD in 2001 as a fourth-grade teacher at Cunningham Creek Elementary. She went on to teach at PVPV-Rawlings Elementary School and became the curriculum resource coordinator there. In 2013, she was appointed as assistant principal at The Webster School.
“Tiffany is extremely dedicated to her staff and students, and I have no doubt this will transfer to her new OPES family,” said SJCSD superintendent Tim Forson. “She knows the community and already has many established relationships with families and students.”
Cantwell holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Thomas University in Miami and a master’s degree from the University of North Florida.
“OPES has an outstanding reputation, and I am proud to join such a devoted staff and committed community,” said Cantwell. “Along with the exceptional teachers and staff, I will strive to continue the legacy of success established at OPES by building strong relationships with parents, students and community partners.”
SJCSD appoints Goodrich as new PES principal
SJCSD has also appointed Catherine (Peralta) Goodrich as the new principal of Palencia Elementary School.
Goodrich currently is the assistant principal at PES and is replacing Allen Anderson, who was approved earlier this month as the new principal of K-8 school “LL” currently being constructed in St. Johns. Goodrich’s nomination will also be presented to the school board Jan. 9.
Goodrich started her educational teaching career over 25 years ago. She joined the SJCSD in 2005 as a second-grade teacher at Timberlin Creek Elementary School. She served as the instructional literacy coach there before becoming its assistant principal in 2010. In 2013, she was named the assistant principal at Osceola Elementary School and served there for two years before joining the SJCSD human resources department as the employee evaluation coordinator. In 2016, she became the assistant principal at PES.
“Catherine is an exceptional leader and will provide a seamless transition for the Palencia Pirates,” said Forson. “She has already garnered the unwavering commitment and support from parents and the community, and I know this will continue in her new role.”
Goodrich holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and a master’s degree from the University of North Florida.
“I am beyond humbled to be chosen as Palencia Elementary School’s educational leader,” said Goodrich. “Our school is overflowing with a brilliant combination of individuals: bright-eyed children and dynamic staff willing to do whatever it takes to ensure our students are safe, well cared for and are achieving at high levels.”
