Sarasota County Schools is pleased to announce two principal appointments. Dr. Mindy Long – the current Principal of Alta Vista Elementary School – has been appointed as the new Principal of Atwater Elementary School. Additionally, Ms. Meredith McArthur – the current Assistant Principal of Alta Vista Elementary School – has been appointed as the new Principal of Alta Vista Elementary School. Each leader will assume her new role effective Tuesday, July 1.
“It is an honor to be selected as the new Principal of Atwater Elementary School,” said Long. “Atwater Elementary’s school community is known to be one of respect, curiosity, and collaboration. I look forward to meeting & getting to know all the amazing All-Star students, families, teachers, and staff members.”
Dr. Mindy Long earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. She has earned a Master’s Degree in Reading Education as well as a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, both from the University of South Florida. Dr. Long earned her Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Florida. She holds certifications in Elementary Education (K-6), Reading (K-12), ESE (K-12), Principalship, and Educational Leadership and has an ESOL Endorsement.
Before starting her most recent role as the Principal of Alta Vista Elementary School in 2022, Long served as the Assistant Principal of Fruitville Elementary School. She has also served as the Assistant Principal of Lamarque Elementary School, an Intervention teacher at Lamarque Elementary School, a Grade 3 teacher &Team Leader at Lamarque Elementary School, and a Grade 4 teacher at Glenallen Elementary School.
“I am excited to serve as the new Principal of Alta Vista Elementary School,” commented McArthur. “It is a privilege to continue to grow in my career amongst such an amazing group of team members, students, families, and volunteers. The Eagles will continue to build upon all the success we have achieved together.”
Ms. McArthur earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education K-6 from the University of South Florida. She earned her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education – Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Florida, and her Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership K-12 from National Louis University. She holds certifications in Educational Leadership (All Levels), Principal (Level 2), and Elementary Education (K-6), as well as Gifted, Reading, and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) endorsements.
Before assuming her most recent role as the Assistant Principal of Alta Vista Elementary School in 2019, McArthur served as the Assistant Principal of H.S. Moody Elementary School (Bradenton, FL). She has also served as an Instructional Specialist for the School District of Manatee County, a Teacher & Team Leader at Robert E. Willis Elementary School (Lakewood Ranch, FL), and a Teacher & Team Leader at Bayshore Elementary School (Bradenton, FL).