Miami-Dade County Public Schools Celebrates Community Leadership Through Annual Principal TODAY Program

School Board Chair Mari Tere Rojas and Schools Superintendent Rafael A. Villalobos (center), joined by District Representatives at the Principal TODAY kick-off breakfast.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) recently concluded another successful year of its signature Principal TODAY program, bringing together business executives, civic leaders, and community partners across more than 300 district schools.

“Imagine the community connecting with teachers, custodians, cafeteria workers, and secretaries, welcoming students and going into their classes; interacting with parents as they walk in the door and gaining an understanding of the complexity of the principal’s role,” said Schools Superintendent Rafael A. Villalobos. “It is a blessing to have community members and partners go into our schools and see the work being done each and every day.”

Organized annually each fall by the M-DCPS Office of Community Partnerships, Education, and Business Access, Principal TODAY bridges the gap between public education and local commerce. The week-long initiative allows guest principals to step into the shoes of school leaders to experience firsthand the daily realities, challenges, and rewards of running a modern school campus.

The program traditionally launches with a district-wide breakfast, setting the stage for guest participants ranging from attorneys and bank executives to business owners, city officials, and local athletes to shadow school administrators through full operational schedules. Throughout their visits, guest principals sit in on faculty meetings, confer with student councils, observe classroom instruction, and participate in campus management.

Grayce Hyatt, Community Relations Manager at Bank of America, left, Jorge Iglesias, Assistant Pastor at Miami Calvary Chapel, with Principal Rico Jones, center, and Christa Dotson Dean, Vice President of Edfed, right

At Paul W. Bell Middle School, Jorge Iglesias, Assistant Pastor at Miami Calvary Chapel, was principal for the day. He was impressed with how welcoming everyone was and how well-behaved, friendly, and respectful the students were with everyone, especially with Principal Rico Jones.

“Mr. Jones seemed to have a connection to each and every student that crossed his path,” said Mr. Iglesias. “We spoke about the fact that we share the same mission. We both are charged with the task of nurturing families and building our community.”

At Agenoria S. Paschal/Olinda Elementary School, Grayce Hyatt, who is the Community Relations Manager at Bank of America, was the principal a day. She said the experience was a wonderful way to connect with the community of parents and students, to get a deeper understanding of their concerns, so that she could share this information with her leadership team at the community relations department.

“My favorite part has been speaking to the students, being able to hear from them, hearing why they enjoy coming to Dolphin University,” said Ms. Hyatt. “I’m so happy that I got the  opportunity to connect with them and to see the inspiration that makes them want to do so much more for themselves.”

At Norland Elementary School, Christa Dotson Dean, Vice President at EdFed, enjoyed the camaraderie with students on her day as principal.

“Seeing the smiles of the students and the teachers in action showed that what Norland Elementary School is doing is excellence personified,” said Ms. Dean.

Principal TODAY continues to serve as a vital pillar in strengthening relationships between M-DCPS schools and the broader Miami-Dade community, fostering long-term mentorships, resources, and civic advocacy for public education.

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