BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Bradford Elementary School is welcoming a new assistant principal with a passion for education and leadership. Michelle Cino, a Gainesville native and educator with more than 25 years of experience in
Florida public schools, has officially joined the Bradford County School District.
Cino began her career in education after majoring in elementary education, a decision inspired by her childhood experiences as the oldest of five siblings helping with schoolwork.
“I enjoyed helping my younger siblings with their schoolwork, so when it came time to pick a major, I chose elementary education,” Cino shared in a brief biography.
Her professional journey includes over two decades in Marion County, where she served in various roles including classroom teacher, academic coach and school administrator. Most recently, she worked as a coordinator for Professional Leadership and Learning for Marion County Public Schools, overseeing district-level leadership programs and recruitment initiatives.
Cino also held principal and assistant principal positions at several Marion County schools, including Ocala Springs Elementary, where she led a faculty of 100 and a student body of over 700. During her tenure, discipline referrals dropped by 70% under her leadership with the implementation of a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports plan. She also facilitated a collaborative planning routine that became a cornerstone of the school’s professional development efforts. Prior to that she helped turn around a failing elementary school.
She was named Marion County’s Assistant Principal of the Year in 2017–2018 and later honored as Principal of the Year for 2023–2024.
Cino brings to Bradford Elementary a reputation for building strong relationships and fostering equitable education.
“My favorite part of my career journey is supporting students and staff in achieving their goals and challenging them to be the best they can be,” she said.
Now settling into Bradford County with her husband of 22 years, Jimmy, Cino is entering a new chapter as her own children take flight — one graduating from the University of Florida and the other starting at Florida State University.
“From the moment I walked into my interview at Bradford Elementary, everyone was so welcoming,” she said. “I am excited to immerse myself in the Bradford County community and Tornado Country!”
Cino’s appointment, which became official Monday evening, was the only change among school administrators. Returning administrators include the principal of Bradford Elementary, Cassie Melvin, as well as:
—Bradford High School Principal Chris Coffey and Assistant Principal April Stafford.
—Bradford Middle School Principal Crystal Williams and Assistant Principal Rob Charles.
—Starke Elementary School Principal Lauren Morgan and Assistant Principal Mary Ware.
—Lawtey Principal Terri O’Quinn.
—North Florida Technical College Director Keith Kirby.
District-level administrators include:
—Deputy Superintendent Karen Clarke.
—Chief Financial Officer Shannon Rodriquez.
—Human Resources Director Aimee Ferguson.
—ESE and Student Services Director Tammy Saxon.
—Food Services Director Blake Dicks.
—Grants and Resources Development Director Sherree Alvarez.
—IT Director Michael Warren.
—Operations and Safety Director Jeff Edison.
—Data Science Coordinator Evelyn Chastain.
—Mental Health Services Coordinator Sabrina Howland.
—Professional Development Coordinator Christina Cromwell.
—Transportation Supervisor Louette Smith.
—Network Specialist Greg Gobs.
—Athletic Director Sampson Jackson.
