Anclote Elementary School in Pasco County to get new principal

Ellen Thomas, currently assistant principal at Moon Lake Elementary School, is slated to take over Anclote Elementary on April 16.

Superintendent Kurt Browning advanced his recommendation for her appointment to the School Board, which will consider the appointment on April 3.

If approved, Thomas, 58, will take over from Barbara Kleinsorge, who is taking a position in the district administration. Kleinsorge moved to Anclote from Cotee River Elementary in late 2011.

Moon Lake Elementary principal Elise Landahl praised Thomas in a message on the school's Facebook page.

"I'm so proud of her & so excited for her!" Landahl wrote. "I'm going to miss my work partner & friend! Anclote is lucky to have you join the family! The Moon Lake Family is going to miss you! You'll always be a Moon Lake Manatee!"

Thomas has worked for Pasco County schools since 2003.

The board also is expected to act on the appointment of Cheryl Macri as a new assistant principal at Cypress Creek Middle High School.

Macri, currently an assistant principal at Mitchell High School, would fill the vacancy created with the departure of Kyle Ritsema, who was arrested on federal child pornography charges.

Macri joined the district in 2014.