Hillsborough school board elects new chairperson, approves 4 principals

Karen Perez was elected chairperson of the Hillsborough County School Board on Tuesday, replacing two-term chairperson Nadia Combs.

Perez, 59 and a clinical social worker, represents District 6, which is countywide. She has served on the board since 2018, with an emphasis on mental health issues.

The new vice chairperson is Jessica Vaughn, who represents District 3 in northern Hillsborough. Vaughn, 46, is completing her first term and has filed to run for reelection in 2024.

The board also approved new principals at four schools.

Scott Weaver, now at Roland Park K-8, will become the principal of Adum K-8 Magnet School when it opens in February in South Tampa. Weaver, 52, joined the school district in 1997.

Colin Gerding, 48, will be principal of Randall Middle School. Gerding has worked for the district since 2012.

Dustin Robinson, 35 and a district employee since 2011, will become principal of York K-8.

Aliya Norman, 37, will become principal of Reddick Elementary. She joined the district in 2009.

Gerding, Robinson and Norman are being promoted from assistant principal posts at their schools, and their new positions take effect on Nov. 27.