The beginning of the 2026-27 school year in Hillsborough County (unfortunately for our schedule) began on Aug. 10, or the day after we went to press with this issue.
And, while we did not get to interview new Freedom High principal Deanna McCahan (right) before school started, we did chat with (and photographer Charmaine George got a few pictures of) new Chiles Elementary principal Kelly Wackes.
In her Principal’s Message on Freedom’s web page on the HillsboroughSchools.org website, McCahan (who spent the last five years as principal at Shields Middle School in Ruskin, said, “As your principal, I am thrilled to welcome you to another exciting school year. Our dedicated staff is committed to providing a supportive and challenging environment where every student can thrive. We believe in fostering a community of respect, responsibility, and excellence. Whether you are a returning student or new to our school, we are here to support you every step of the way. Let’s make this year memorable and full of achievements.”
McCahan succeeds Kevin Stephenson, who is the new principal this year of Sgt. Smith Middle School in the Citrus Park area.
Welcome, Kelly!
Kelly Wackes is already a familiar face to many New Tampa residents, as she served as the assistant principal at Clark Elementary in West Meadows for the past five years and has been part of Hillsborough County Public Schools for the last 11 years — first as a math coach and then as a teacher.
“This week, getting to know the staff has been amazing,” Wackes told me just before the 2026-27 school year began. “Everyone has been so welcoming.”
She said she is proud to be the new principal at Chiles, as this is the school’s 25th year of existence, “and it’s never been anything other than an ‘A’-rated school,” she said. “And, all of us — the teachers, staff, parents and students — are committed to continuing that tradition of excellence. Our motto this year is, ‘Honoring the Past, Soaring into the Future.’”
Wackes, who holds a Master of Education (MEd) degree from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, said her oldest child is entering the 4th grade and is still at Clark, “but my youngest is starting Kindergarten with me at Chiles. I’m so excited for this year!”
She added that the 25th anniversary celebration for Chiles has been temporarily set by the District for March 5, 2027. — GN