M-DCPS Honors Outstanding Principal, Assistant Principal of the Year

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) honored its finest principals and assistant principals at an awards ceremony sponsored by the Dade Association of School Administrators (DASA), this evening at the DoubleTree by Hilton.

Chantal Osborne, who serves as principal of Lindsey Hopkins Technical Institute, won top honors as the District’s Principal of the Year. For the past 29 years, Osborne has been an educator at M-DCPS, beginning as a teacher for 18 years before moving up to Assistant Principal and then Principal. The most memorable moments in her career have been sitting on a stage during graduation ceremonies and watching the students relishing the occasion.

“As a team, we play a significant role in helping our adult learners achieve their dreams,” said Osborne. “It's a powerful reminder of the impact we have on the lives of students and the fulfillment that comes from guiding them towards success.”

Romulo Espinosa of Carol City Middle School was recognized as Assistant Principal of the Year. A 19-year education veteran, Espinosa was a teacher for eight years and then continued as a math coach and a curriculum support specialist until becoming an Assistant Principal five years ago.

“My goal is to be a trusted advocate for students and a source of motivation with our staff,” Espinosa said. “The hope is to influence one another to make a daily effort to be reflective and improve upon ourselves.”

The Principal of the Year winner will receive a $2,000 cash prize and a three-year lease on a car sponsored by Headquarter Toyota. The Assistant Principal of the Year will receive a $1,500 cash prize and a three-to-five-day cruise with an ocean view stateroom courtesy of Royal Caribbean.

This event is made possible through a partnership with Headquarter Toyota, Equitable, All Here, EdFed, Royal Caribbean, Curriculum Associates, BENCOR, Voya Financial, Hand2 Mind and Corebridge Financial.

Also recognized at the ceremony were Principal of the Year Runner-up Kenneth L. Williams, Robert Morgan Educational Center, and Assistant Principal of the Year Runner-up John Crary, South Dade Senior High.

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