Bushnell Elementary

I’m a lifelong Sumter County resident, graduating from Wildwood High School in 2006.  I attended Saint Leo University and earned my Bachelor’s degree in 2010, which began my teaching career right here at Bushnell Elementary.  For the next 8 years, I taught ELA in Kindergarten, First and Second Grade.  In 2016, I was honored by being voted BES Teacher of the Year.  In 2017, I graduated from the University of West Florida with a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. 

In 2018, I began serving as Assistant Principal Intern at Wildwood Elementary School.  I faithfully served in that role for 3 years before returning home to BES as an Assistant Principal Intern.  In 2022, I was truly honored to start serving Bushnell Elementary as Principal. 

As a BES parent, past teacher, and now administrator, I know and understand the tradition of excellence here at our school and will work tirelessly to continue that tradition! I look forward to getting to know you and your family more this school year.  Together, we will continue making Bushnell Elementary School a great place to grow!

Email: Jaimie Kinney

With a dedicated career spanning 18 years in education, I have honed my skills as both a passionate teacher and a strategic educational leader.  My journey began when I graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts in Child Study and Speech Communication from St. Joseph’s University in 2007. Shortly after graduating, I began working as a special education preschool teacher in New York City and continued in this role for 10 years. During this time, I fostered a love of learning with my students through innovative teaching methods and through a supportive classroom environment.

In 2009, I completed my Masters of Arts Degree from Stony Brook University with a concentration in Education. In 2017, my family and I relocated to Central Florida, where I then began to work at Wildwood Elementary School as a Kindergarten teacher. I continued to teach at Wildwood Elementary School for 4 years as a Kindergarten and First Grade teacher.

Recognizing my potential for leadership, I completed my Level I portfolio for Educational Leadership through the district. I then transitioned to a teacher on special assignment position at the district office and oversaw Elementary Math and Science for 2 years. In 2023, I began serving as an Assistant Principal Intern at South Sumter Middle School and began working on my Level II portfolio for Principalship. I served in this role for 1 year before being moved to Bushnell Elementary School to serve as an Assistant Principal Intern.

I am passionate about fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. I am excited to serve the students, staff, and families of Bushnell Elementary School!

Email: Katherine Palazzo