Brevard Public Schools (BPS) proudly announces that Blair Lovelace, former principal of Coquina Elementary School, has been named a 2025–26 Florida TaxWatch Principal Leadership Award (PLA) winner. Lovelace is one of only five elementary school principals statewide selected for this prestigious honor, which recognizes Florida’s most effective leaders serving in high‑risk K–12 public schools.
The Florida TaxWatch PLA program—established in 2013—identifies exceptional principals based on comprehensive Florida Department of Education performance data and celebrates those who produce transformational academic gains for students in challenging environments.
A Distinguished Career of Service and Achievement
Lovelace’s recognition adds to an accomplished 36‑year career with Brevard Public Schools. She began teaching in 1990 at Andersen Elementary, later serving at Ralph Williams Elementary, Manatee Elementary, and Fairglen Elementary before joining the district’s Curriculum & Instruction team as the Early Childhood & Elementary Social Studies Resource Teacher.
After six years in Curriculum & Instruction, Lovelace became assistant principal at Sabal Elementary and ultimately completed her career as principal of Coquina Elementary—where her leadership proved transformational.
She was recognized as the 2023 Brevard Principal of the Year, underscoring her deep commitment to instructional excellence and student success. Under her guidance, Coquina Elementary rose from a D‑rated school to an A‑rated school, a remarkable turnaround driven by strategic planning, staff empowerment, and unwavering belief in students’ potential.
Commitment to Students — Including a Life‑Changing Scholarship Opportunity
As part of the Florida TaxWatch PLA recognition, each winning principal nominates one deserving student to receive an Academic A+ Challenge Match Scholarship, funded by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
This year, a special 6th‑grade student from Coquina Elementary was personally chosen by former Principal Lovelace to receive a two‑year college scholarship—a selection reflecting not only the student's resilience and promise, but also Lovelace’s belief in creating opportunities that shape a child’s future.
Lovelace shared:
“Providing students with the background and skills needed to compete in life has always been my driving force. That takes relationship building and goal setting with high expectations for achievement and behavior. The student I selected for the 2‑year scholarship exemplifies these qualities, and I am very proud to recognize this student with the Florida TaxWatch Prepaid Academic A+ Scholarship.”
The scholarship selection stands as a lasting testament to Lovelace’s dedication to opening doors for students who might not otherwise envision college as part of their future.
District Leadership Applauds Lovelace’s Impact
“Principals like Blair Lovelace change the trajectory of a school community,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell. “Her leadership at Coquina Elementary set a new standard for excellence and transformed outcomes for students and staff alike. Brevard Public Schools is honored to see her recognized statewide.”
Celebrating Excellence in Brevard
Brevard Public Schools proudly congratulates Blair Lovelace on this major statewide achievement and celebrates her decades of dedicated service to Brevard students, families, and educators. Her legacy—now includes a life‑changing scholarship for a deserving 6th‑grader—continues to inspire current and future leaders across the district.