New Principals for Turkey Creek Middle, Reddick Elementary
The Hillsborough County School Board named new principals Tuesday for Turkey Creek Middle School and Reddick Elementary School.
Donald Peek, 44, is the new principal of Turkey Creek. Peek joined the school district in 2002 and was last the assistant principal of Bloomingdale High School.
Jennifer Dames, 43, is principal of Reddick Elementary School. Dames served last as assistant principal of Seminole Elementary. She joined the district in 2017.
In an unusual move, Dames received an endorsement at the School Board meeting from Rev. Glenn Dames, her husband; and other leaders in his church, the Allen Temple AME Church; and in Tampa’s African American community.
Rev. Dames told the board that some had questioned his wife’s qualifications, and delivered this parting shot: “With all of her credentials all of her experience; it is crazy that she is being questioned about whether or not she can lead. But a woman who has only been a substitute teacher can be a school board member and nobody questions her qualifications. Help me understand that. God bless you and have a great day.”
While not singling either of the principals out by name, board member Jessica Vaughn — the former substitute teacher — said she had flagged one of the appointments, based on questions from constituents. To satisfy those constituents, she asked attorney Jim Porter to explain to the audience that, as long as a candidate is qualified for a position, board members do not have the authority to block an appointment.
Both promotions take effect on March 22.
