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New Principal Named

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By COURTNEY CAIRNS PASTOR, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 15, 2007

Updated: 12/13/2007 07:12 pm

TWIN LAKES - Twin Lakes Elementary's fourth principal in five years hopes to stick around awhile.

Edith Lefler said she was excited about working with Twin Lakes' parents and students and getting involved in the school's innovative activities, such as its professional development for teachers.

"They have such amazing things going on," Lefler said. "It's the type of school I'd love to lead."

The Hillsborough County school board appointed her as principal Tuesday night, replacing Holly Saia, who was transferred to Shaw Elementary. Lefler, 36, comes from Town and Country Elementary, where she has served as assistant principal for elementary instruction.
Lefler said it would be hard leaving tight-knit Town and Country, her school for the past three years. But she said she knew she could fit in at Twin Lakes, whose students come from similar demographic backgrounds. Twin Lakes and Town and Country have a large number of Hispanic and low-income students.
School board member Susan Valdes said she hoped Lefler became a fixture at Twin Lakes and could offer stability. The school's other recent principals were transferred to other schools after about two years. Cora-Lynne Wimberly served as principal from 2001-03 before moving to Heritage Elementary. Tricia McManus was principal the next two years and transferred to Just Elementary. Saia started in 2005 and moved in November.

Though the changes were "opportunities to grow" for the former principals, Valdes said, the community was concerned about the turnover.

"I really hope Mrs. Lefler becomes an icon for the community at Twin Lakes Elementary," Valdes said. She met Lefler after the vote to give her a hug.

"I'm so happy I'm still in your district," Lefler said, thanking her.

Lefler, who has two children and lives in Wesley Chapel, started teaching in Hillsborough County in 1999 at Lee Elementary. She worked there until 2004, when she became Town and Country's assistant principal.

The board on Tuesday also voted to name a new high school planned for Lutz after New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. The board usually asks for suggestions from the community on school names, and Steinbrenner's name has been proposed for other schools. This time, the board did not request community input but voted unanimously to honor Steinbrenner, who has been involved in many charities for children.

Reporter Courtney Cairns Pastor can be reached at (813) 865-1503 or cpastor@tampatrib.com.

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