Preparing Future Principals Program
The Preparing Future Principals Program is a comprehensive one-year leadership preparation program designed for extremely motivated and highly effective assistant principals/District leaders who are aspiring to become a principal. It is based on the Florida Educational Leadership Standards and capitalizes on our Strategic Plan. In this program future principals engage in the rigorous and relevant instructional, leadership experiences.
Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Currently an employee of Palm Beach County School District.
- Three full years of administrative experience by August 15, 2026, based on contract date, with the last year being in Palm Beach County School District at a non-charter public school.
- Hold a Professional Teaching Certificate with Educational Leadership from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) by 08/11/2026.
- Updated resume (3 pages maximum).
- A letter of recommendation addressed to The Department of Leadership Development from the Principal (for school-based employees), Director (for District-based employees), or Regional Office (for regional office employees).
- Be endorsed by your current Principal or Director's supervisor.
- A signed compact (agreement) from your current Principal (for school-based employees) or a school principal willing to supervise/mentor your participation in the program (for employees not based at a school). This will be provided in the application.
- Received overall “Highly Effective” or “Effective” performance evaluations for 2023-2024 and 2024 - 2025 FINAL evaluations.
Selection Process for the Program:
- Phase I: In addition to evidence of the above criteria, the application will include submitting a detailed data analysis of FY26 results, a SWOT Analysis, and identifying potential problems of practice for FY27. Details to be provided in the application.
- Phase II: Candidates who successfully complete Phase I will be evaluated on a virtual Leadership Presentation aligned to the selected Florida Educational Leadership Standards, sharing a leadership initiative they have led and its impact on the intended stakeholders. The rubric will be provided during the Informational Sessions.
Exit Process for the Program:
- Mid Year and End of Year Evaluations will include successful participation and completion of assignments. The End of Year Evaluation will include a Leadership Presentation aligned to the selected Florida Educational Leadership Standards based on the school improvement initiative completed in FY27 as part of the program.
Meetings
- Informational Sessions: July 28-30, 2026 4:30pm (Link to Register)
- Application Window: July 30, 2026 through August 11, 2026
- Application Link: Application for FY27 (Link will go live 07/30/2026)
- Phase II Interview Window: August 17, 2026 through August 21, 2026
- Mandatory Orientation: August 25, 2026 5:00 - 7:30pm
- First Session for New Cohort Members: September 29, 2026
For questions, please contact Mrs. Melinda Springman-Herrera, Director of Leadership Development.