Sarasota County Schools announces leadership shuffle

SARASOTA — Sarasota County Schools announced the appointment of three new principals for the district, including one for Laurel Nokomis School.

Jessica Fuesy, the current assistant principal at Riverview High, has been appointed as the new principal of Laurel Nokomis School, effective July 1.

Fuesy earned a bachelor’s degree in middle grades mathematics education from Florida State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Saint Leo University. She holds certifications in mathematics (6-12), educational leadership and school principal.

Before assuming her current role in 2023, Fuesy served as an assistant principal at Brookside Middle from 2017 to 2023. She has also served as an assistant principal at Raa Middle School and as a teacher at Montford Middle School in Tallahassee.

“I am excited to join the Laurel Nokomis family,” Fuesy stated in a news release. “Maintaining a positive, safe and innovative learning and teaching environment is a top priority for our school community. I look forward to getting to know everyone and supporting the needs of our students, families, teachers and staff members.”

Marya Annicelli, current assistant principal of Gocio Elementary, has been appointed as the new principal of Emma E. Booker Elementary, effective July 1.

Annicelli earned a bachelor’s degree in social science education from the University of South Florida and a master’s degree in social science education from Nova Southeastern University.

Before assuming her current role in 2015, Annicelli served as the assistant principal of Emma E. Booker Elementary for eight years. She has additionally served as an assistant principal intern at Sarasota Middle and a behavior specialist at Booker Middle.

“I am thrilled to be returning to Emma E. Booker,” Annicelli said. “The students, teachers and staff members comprise such a special school community. I look forward to working collaboratively with stakeholders and deepening our connections with the community at-large.”

Michelle Giddens, the current assistant principal at Lakeview Elementary, has been appointed as the new principal of that school, effective June 24.

Giddens earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership, both from the University of South Florida.

Before assuming her current role in 2022, Giddens served as the assistant principal of Toledo Blade Elementary in North Port from 2012-2022. She also served as an assistant principal intern at Taylor Ranch Elementary and an exceptional student education inclusion teacher at Taylor Ranch Elementary.

“It is an honor to serve as Lakeview’s new principal,” Giddens stated. “I am committed to upholding our legacy of high-quality education. Working together, we will help our students charge on to new heights of success in the year ahead.”