For Immediate Release:           Contact: Katherine Crnkovich, MS, APR, CPRC

April 9, 2026                                Communications Officer

                                                       407-320-0471

 

 

Tuskawilla Middle School’s Ryan Garrett Named One of Three State Finalists for 2026 Florida Assistant Principal of the Year

 

Sanford, FL – The Florida Department of Education has officially announced that Ryan Garrett, Assistant Principal at Tuskawilla Middle School, has been selected as one of three finalists for the prestigious 2026 Florida Assistant Principal of the Year award. This recognition honors school leaders who have used teamwork and leadership to improve student performance, promote safe learning environments, and build strong community partnerships.

 

Since joining the leadership team at Tuskawilla, Mr. Garrett has become known for his "student-first" philosophy and his willingness to tackle the most complex challenges facing modern education. Whether rebuilding the school’s entire master schedule overnight to ensure every student received their required courses or transforming the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program, Garrett has consistently demonstrated a level of dedication that defines excellence in administration.

 

"Mr. Garrett is a leader of systems, a leader of people, and most of all, a leader with a profoundly generous heart," said Randy Shuler, Principal of Tuskawilla Middle School. "He never waits to be asked; he sees a need and moves with purpose. Our school is a better place because of him, and I am honored to work alongside a leader of his caliber."

 

Under Garrett’s leadership, Tuskawilla Middle School has seen transformative results, including:

•           ESE Innovation: Implementing a co-teaching model so seamless that it has become a district benchmark for high-quality, equitable instruction.

•           Student Support & Attendance: Leading the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) and district truancy initiatives, resulting in a significant reduction in chronic absenteeism and improved student interventions.

•           Community Impact: Beyond the classroom, Mr. Garrett has been on the board for a local charity, The Christmas Bike Program, for the last 10 years that provides bicycles and helmets to underserved children, reinforcing his commitment to student well-being outside of school hours.

 

The Florida Assistant Principal of the Year program recognizes the crucial role that assistant principals play in the success of Florida’s students. The winner of the 2026 Florida Assistant Principal of the Year will be announced by the Commissioner of Education later this month.