NEWS RELEASE -- Mr. Denny Wilson, former principal of Oakcrest Elementary School and now the director of continuous improvement and school choice, graduated from the prestigious Commissioner’s Leadership Academy and has become a valuable asset to the Escambia County School District and the Florida Department of Education.

Wilson was selected as one of the 50 highest performing principals in the state to participate in the Academy designed and coordinated through a partnership with the Council for Educational Change. The yearlong experience enabled Wilson to build on his successes and influence the leadership of colleagues at the local and state levels.

“Mr. Wilson will have many opportunities to utilize his dynamic leadership skills and multiple talents in his current role as the Director of Continuous Improvement and School Choice,” said Superintendent Malcolm Thomas.  “Because of Mr. Wilson’s abiding commitment and dedication to students, parents and staff, his legacy will continue to live on at Oakcrest Elementary School.”

Linda Bonfay, former assistant principal at Pleasant Grove Elementary, has replaced Wilson as the principal at Oakcrest.

The Commissioner’s Leadership Academy is sponsored by Carnival Cruise Lines, Florida Blue, and Publix Super Markets Charities.  It has impacted approximately 750 principals and aspiring school leaders as well as an estimated 300,000 students over the past two years.

The Council for Educational Change is the successor organization to the $100 million dollar South Florida Annenberg Challenge and is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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