OCALA, FL – May 13, 2022 – Clear Choice Academies, Inc. (CCA) is thrilled to announce Mrs. Elizabeth Brown has accepted the position of Ocali Charter High School’s (OCHS) new principal. Her position will start June 20, in preparation for the school’s opening in August 2022.
Mrs. Brown recently announced her retirement from Marion County Public Schools, where she most recently served as the Principal for Forest High School in Ocala. She comes to Clear Choice Academies and OCHS with over 30 years of experience in education, including a M.Ed in Education Leadership from University of South Florida. Prior to serving as Forest High School’s administrator, she was the Principal of North Marion High School, where she initially served as the Assistant Principal and Professional Development Specialist. Mrs. Brown is currently a member of several professional associations, including the Florida Association of School Administrators and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).
With her expansive knowledge and expertise in high school leadership, Mrs. Brown will hit the ground running as she prepares for the inaugural start to Ocali Charter High School, which will initially open with 9th grade only. Each year, thereafter, an additional grade level will be added, until the school reaches full capacity of 9-12th grades by 2025.
Mrs. Brown was selected by a review committee of four individuals, including retired MCPS Principal, Mr. Woody Clymer, along with CCA’s Executive Director, Chairman of the Board, and Executive Secretary. After a rigorous application and interview process, Mrs. Brown emerged as the frontrunner of over 40 applicants for the position. “We had a number of excellent choices,” says CCA Chairman, Leo Pacheco, “and the decision was tough. But, in the end, Mrs. Brown checked all the boxes. With her extensive career in public education, clear attention to detail, excellent communication skills, calm and steady demeanor, precise answers, and passion for helping students in a holistic fashion, I felt she would be the strongest leader to help build and propel the high school experience forward.”
Teecy Matthews, who serves as the Executive Director for Clear Choice Academies, and oversees the Principals at Ocali Charter Middle and High Schools, says, “Our ultimate goal is to be an asset to the community of Marion County and we are confident that Mrs. Brown is the right person to lead this charge for the high school. We are excited to offer this school choice opportunity for students who would be better served in a small learning environment, where great things happen.”
CCA is currently working with a strong financial partner to build or renovate permanent facilities to house both Ocali Charter Middle and High Schools. Details will be announce in the near future, as plans become more concrete.
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