LW Charter Schools Taps McLaughlin Principal Drisdom to Lead Bok North

Lake Wales Charter Schools System Superintendent Dr. Jesse L. Jackson has announced the appointment of Donna Drisdom as the new Principal of Edward W. Bok Academy North. For the past two years Drisdom has served as principal of McLaughlin Middle School Fine Arts Academy in Lake Wales.

"I cannot imagine a better outcome for Edward W. Bok Academy North.," Dr. Jackson noted. "I am very much looking forward to having Mrs. Drisdom on board as the principal."

Drisdom received her bachelor's in Education from Florida A&M University and her master's in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education / Specialist in Working in Turn Around Schools at the University of South Florida.

Drisdom comes to Bok North with a wealth of experience and 30 years of dedicated service to the students, faculty and staff of the Polk County School System in the roles of teacher, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Principal of Secondary Education.

She has served as a mentor for Aspiring Leaders of Administration for PCSS as well as The Polk County, USF/Gulf Coast Project. She has been part of an array of curriculum based committees as well as served in the developing of the teacher evaluation system. She also created and developed wall-to-wall pre-academies on the middle school level to assist students in pursuing and gaining certifications in areas of vocation and technology.

Drisdom has been the recipient of She Knows Where She is Going Award and Nominee of Life Changers Award. She is an appreciative servant leader who is dedicated to improving the academic, social and emotional skills of young adults through dynamic, collaborative, progressive and creative education in an effort to help students become productive and successful citizens of a global society while meeting their individual and unique skills.

"I am very honored and pleased to have the opportunity to work with the students and staff of Edward W. Bok Academy North," Drisdom said. "Over the years I continue to be impressed with the dedicated faculty, supportive community, and great school spirit within the Lake Wales Charter Schools. I look forward to a positive and productive experience on behalf of the

students and to leading the development of an exceptional school."

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