Brevard Public Schools Principal Blair Lovelace Named Florida TaxWatch Leadership Award Winner
By Space Coast Daily // March 5, 2026
Lovelace is one of only five elementary school principals statewide selected for this distinguished honor
BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA, FLORIDA – Brevard Public Schools officials celebrated that Blair Lovelace, former principal of Coquina Elementary School, has been named a 2025–26 Florida TaxWatch Principal Leadership Award winner.
Lovelace is one of only five elementary school principals statewide selected for this distinguished honor, which recognizes Florida’s most effective leaders serving in high‑risk K–12 public schools.
Related Story:Blair Lovelace, Kelly Grugan Honored as Brevard Public Schools Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year
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, she became an assistant principal at Sabal Elementary and ultimately served as principal of Coquina Elementary, where her leadership proved transformational.
Lovelace was also selected as the 2023 Brevard Principal of the Year, further underscoring her leadership excellence and impact on student outcomes. Under her direction, Coquina Elementary rose from a D‑rated school to an A‑rated school, a testament to her strategic focus on instructional quality, student support, and staff empowerment.
Commitment to Students and Their Futures
As part of the PLA recognition, each award‑winning principal nominates a deserving student for an Academic A+ Challenge Match Scholarship, funded by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
Lovelace’s selection reflects her belief in fostering opportunities for students who demonstrate resilience, commitment, and potential.
Lovelace emphasized her student‑centered philosophy, “Providing students with the background and skills needed to compete in life has always been my driving force. That requires 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.”
“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.”
Brevard Public Schools officials and supporters congratulated Lovelace on this major statewide achievement and celebrated her decades of dedicated service to Brevard students, families, and educators. Her legacy at Coquina Elementary continues to inspire leaders across the district.
