Bok South Principal Resigns, Interim Appointed

The sudden resignation of Bok Academy South Middle School Principal Damian Rosado has resulted in the quick appointment of Dr. Julio Acevedo to fill the role on a temporary basis.

Dr. Wayne Rodolfich, superintendent of the seven-school Lake Wales Charter School System, said the resignation came as a surprise during the Polk State College backpack giveaway event Saturday morning, where he was promoting his "Read 20" program. He told LakeWalesNews.net that Rosado informed him he had accepted another position that allows him to move to be "closer to family members."

The quick appointment of Acevedo to fill the position will assure continuity, and Rodolfich said that staff had met Monday and remained enthusiastic as the school year start approaches.

"There will be no changes" to programs or assignments, Rodolfich said, and added that he expects to fill the role on a permanent basis "within a month or two."

"We have already received a number of applications for the position," Rodolfich said, and that hiring could come from within or without the charter school system.

Bok Academy South staff and students suffered emotional disruption following the sudden death of beloved principal Dr. Damien Moses almost exactly two years ago.

Rodolfich is rallying charter school staff to prepare for the new school year, only days away, by hosting a convocation for all employees at Lake Wales High School this Tuesday morning. He remains focused on reading as a key learning tool, promoting his "Read 20" program to parents, encouraging them to read to their young children 20 minutes a day.

Students will return to their classrooms on August 11.