Principal Leadership

A DATA-DRIVEN APPROACH TO EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

The Only Evidence-Based Principal Award in the Nation

As a nonpartisan, independent 501(c)(3) devoted to public policy research, we pride ourselves on uncovering innovative ideas and policies that can make Florida a national example of excellence, and the Principal Leadership Awards program is a key aspect of what we do.

Building on nearly four decades of serving Florida’s taxpayers by improving government efficiency and taxpayer value in all areas of public policy, Florida TaxWatch established the Principal Leadership Awards program in 2013. The program is a statewide initiative to recognize, reward, and replicate the success of Florida’s most effective K-12 principals. By utilizing rigorous, data-driven analysis to honor transformational leaders in high-need schools, the program shares proven best practices to elevate educational standards, provides life-changing scholarship opportunities to students, and aims to help close the achievement gap within these communities.

Unlike traditional nomination-based awards, we do not rely on recommendations from colleagues, school boards, or superintendents. In keeping with the Florida TaxWatch research ethos, the program uses data and evidence-based research to select each winning principal. This awards program remains Florida’s only data-driven principal recognition initiative.

Hear From Past Principal Leadership Award Winners:

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These principals are shaping the future for Florida’s next generation. Our winners turn limited resources into limitless expectations, proving that visionary leadership can forever change the trajectory of students, their schools, and their entire communities alike.

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2025–26 Award Recipients