MIDDLEBURG, Fla. – Students aren't the only ones getting a new start as they head back to school in Clay County.
A dozen new principals are starting at their posts in the district, including one at Middleburg High School.
Principal Roger Dailey is no stranger to the Clay County school district and said he couldn't be more ready to get started as the top administrator at Middleburg High, which has 400 freshmen coming in this year and a total of about 1,750 students.
"I was thrilled when Superintendent (Addison) Davis gave me the opportunity. This is my family and my home right now,” Dailey said. “I'm going to make sure that, as the head Bronco, I'm going to take care of these people and lead them to success."
Success through hard work and motivation, Dailey said. He has a new theme to the school year: Bronco up.
"It sort of embodies grit, determination,” Dailey said.
Before coming to Middleburg, Dailey spent nine years at Fleming Island High School, including as assistant principal, but has years of experience working at a Title I school.
His plan to take Middleburg to the next level start with marketing the great things already in place, like top-notch technical programs where auto body collision technology, welding, electrical wiring and computer maintenance are part of the curriculum.
With five different pathways to college readiness, like advanced placement and dual enrollment, Middleburg High can appeal to a wide variety of students.
"It's been the best kept secret in Clay County for a long time, and we're going to blow the lid off that this year,” Dailey said.
But with a push for excellence comes a spotlight on character and the Bronco pride that Dailey sees in the students. Despite some of the challenges that lie ahead, he said he is confident this will be a year to remember.
"This school made some great gains. It became a B school. Sustaining the B is going to be difficult, and so we've got to roll up our sleeves and not let anything deter us,” Dailey said.