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Sarasota News Leader January 10, 2014 Page 66 SARASOTAN ONE OF THREE FINALISTS FOR PRINCIPAL LEADERSHIP AWARD Gov. Rick Scott announced on Dec. 23 that Alta Vista Elementary School Principal Barbara Shirley is one of three finalists for the Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership. One statewide Principal of the Year and one Assistant Principal of the Year will be announced in February at the annual Commissioner's Summit for Principals, a Sarasota County Schools news release notes. According to a news release from governor's office, the awards recognize "outstanding leaders who have increased student performance, promoted safe learning environments and established successful partnerships with parents and community members." "It is an incredible honor to receive this recognition when you realize the quality of our principal leadership throughout the state," Shirley said in the Sarasota district news release. "This news is particularly rewarding because it reflects the achievement of our entire Alta Vista team, our district's collaborative educational efforts and the strong citizen support for public education in Sarasota County." Barbara Shirley/Contributed photo Alta Vista Elementary has maintained an "A" over the time Shirley has been principal, the release continues. It is designated as a Five-Star School in a statewide program that recognizes schools with high levels of family and community involvement. In 2013, Alta Vista also was designated a Positive Behavior Support Model School; it received two awards from the University of South Florida, the Shirley has been principal of Alta Vista release adds. Elementary since July 2007. She has worked for the Sarasota County School District since In 2012, in partnership with a private donor and 1993, serving first at Pine View School as with subsequent funding from the Community a teacher of gifted students in grades two Foundation of Sarasota County — along with and four, Exceptional Student Education the cooperation of several local organizations liaison and admissions coordinator, the and individuals — Shirley started the Eagle release points out. She was assistant princi- Academy, a summer program for entering pal at Gocio Elementary from 2001-05 and kindergartners and first-graders. "The sevassistant principal at Sarasota High School en-week summer academic and enrichment program promotes school readiness and from 2005-07.