Two Pasco elementary schools get new principals

Two assistant principals won promotions to principal jobs Tuesday from the Pasco County School Board.

Kimberly Natal, most recently at Quail Hollow Elementary, was appointed to run Cox Elementary in Dade City. She replaces Claudia Steinacker, who transferred to a like job at Oakstead Elementary, where veteran leader Tammy Kimpland retired.

Superintendent Kurt Browning had contemplated moving Lacoochee Elementary principal Latoya Jordan to Cox, but killed that plan after the board rejected his proposal to merge Lacoochee and Cox.

Natal has worked in the district for five years.

Lori Wiggins, most recently at Pasco e-School, was named the next principal of Double Branch Elementary. She replaces Vaughnette Chandler, who took a leadership position in the district professional development department.

Wiggins has worked in several district teaching and administrative positions since joining the system in 1990.

Browning did not present his recommendation for a new principal at Connerton Elementary, where principal Edward John Abernathy has been placed on unpaid leave amid allegations he stole $900 from a student.