Recap: New principals for Bay District Schools in 2025-26 – Panama City News Herald
In recent weeks, Bay District Schools has announced some new principals for the 2025-26 school year. Their new jobs take effect July 1.
Here’s a look back:
During the May 27 BDS School Board meeting, Campbell was recognized by the board as the new principal.
Campbell previously served as the principal of Cedar Grove Elementary School and has been serving as the assistant principal at Deane Bozeman School.
Campbell has experience with Bay District Schools dating back to 1998. Bay District Schools has stated that they recognize his leadership skills, commitment to excellence and passion for student success.
“It is with gratitude and respect that I accept this recommendation as the new principal of Merriam Cherry Street Elementary,” Campbell said during the board meeting. “I’m excited to be returning to principalship to showcase my talents and skills. I’m eternally grateful and blessed for this opportunity.”
At the May 13 School Board meeting, Superintendent Mark McQueen and the board approved the motion for Keri Weatherly to be the new principal at Mowat.
Weatherly has been employed at Bay District Schools for almost 20 years. Weatherly began her career in 2006 as a teacher at Cedar Grove Elementary.
This is not the first time Weatherly will be employed at Mowat Middle School. Fifteen years ago, she was an administrative assistant for the school.
Weatherly has been serving as the turnaround principal at Cherry Street Elementary School since 2023. She has served in an administrator capacity for Bay District Schools since 2010.
“I have worked with great instructional leaders and staff whom I have learned a lot from,” Weatherly said during the May 13 meeting. “I look forward to continuing my administrative journey and I thank (Bay District Schools) for trusting me with this amazing school.”
This appointment was announced at the April 22 school board meeting. Payne had been serving as the school’s assistant principal.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be the new principal at St. Andrews School,” Payne said. “I am prepared to lead the way at St. Andrews School and lead them towards excellence.”
This appointment was announced at the April 22 school board meeting. Kirkpatrick had been serving as assistant principal at Callaway Elementary School.
”I’m truly honored to be selected as the principal of Tommy Smith Elementary,” Kirkpatrick said. “To my Callaway family, thank you for your role in helping me grow as a leader. I’m very excited to be working alongside wonderful colleagues.”
This appointment was announced at the April 22 school board meeting. Miller has been serving as the school’s assistant principal.
”I’m truly honored to be the next principal of West Bay Elementary,” Miller said. “West Bay is a small school with a big heart and I feel honored to be a part of the team. I’m excited to build on the strong foundation that has been laid out.”
dcsmith@gannett.com
