Osceola County, Fla. — Kyndall Brown, an agriculture teacher at Harmony Middle School, has been named Osceola School District Teacher of the Year as the district announced its top honorees, recognizing outstanding educators and school leaders who have made a lasting impact on students, campuses, and the broader community.
The district also named its School-Related Employee of the Year, Principal of the Year, and Assistant Principal of the Year, with each honoree now representing Osceola County at the state level.
Kyndall Brown Named Teacher of the Year
Ms. Kyndall Brown, an agriculture teacher at Harmony Middle School, has been selected as the district’s Teacher of the Year. Known for her innovative approach to agriscience education, Brown has expanded learning opportunities for more than 200 students each year through curriculum aligned with Florida standards and enriched by hands-on experiences.
Under her leadership, Harmony Middle’s FFA teams have qualified for state-level competitions and captured three state championships in Ornamental Horticulture. Brown has also secured grant funding from the Florida Farm Bureau Federation and the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission, allowing students to engage directly with real-world agricultural and environmental practices.
Beyond the classroom, Brown founded the Harmony Middle Fishing Club, which has grown into a schoolwide program promoting inclusion, confidence, and connection among students of all backgrounds. She also serves as an advisor for the Osceola County Sheriff’s Adventure Camp and works closely with community partners to strengthen student engagement.
“Ms. Brown exemplifies the highest standards of teaching excellence, innovation, and community engagement,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff. Brown will now represent Osceola County in the Florida Department of Education’s 2027 Teacher of the Year competition.
Jessica Mintz Named School-Related Employee of the Year
Mrs. Jessica Mintz, a paraprofessional at St. Cloud Elementary School, has been named School-Related Employee of the Year. Mintz is recognized for her compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to student success.
At St. Cloud Elementary, Mintz has played a key role in strengthening the school’s Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) program by introducing student-driven incentives that empower children to feel heard and valued. She is also a strong advocate for paraprofessionals and continually seeks out new instructional strategies to better support students.
From coordinating Student of the Month programs to volunteering at evening events such as Fall Festival and STEM Night, Mintz’s presence is felt across campus.
“Mrs. Mintz is more than an outstanding employee; she is a role model for service and excellence,” Shanoff said. She will represent the district at the state level in the School-Related Employee of the Year judging.
Jeffrey Schwartz Named Principal of the Year
Mr. Jeffrey Schwartz, principal of Poinciana High School, has been selected as Principal of the Year following a period of transformational leadership at the school.
Under Schwartz’s guidance, Poinciana High School achieved an “A” school grade for the first time in its 34-year history, rising from a “C.” The school also earned recognition as an AVID National Demonstration School, highlighting its success in preparing students for college and career readiness.
Schwartz is known for his highly visible leadership style, often seen supporting students at events, assisting with transportation for Dual Enrollment classes, and engaging families through athletics and school activities. Since his arrival, the number of student clubs has grown from fewer than 20 to more than 40, strengthening school pride and community involvement.
“Mr. Schwartz is a catalyst for excellence and a model of servant leadership,” Shanoff said. Schwartz will now represent Osceola County in the state Principal of the Year competition.
Frankie Franceschi Named Assistant Principal of the Year
Mr. Frankie Franceschi, Assistant Principal of Instruction at Denn John Middle School, has been named Assistant Principal of the Year.
In his first year at Denn John Middle School, Franceschi implemented data-driven systems that have strengthened instructional practices and collaboration among teachers. His initiatives include a Grade Recovery Program, PLT Vision Boards, the Dragon NEST student monitoring tool, and an Acceleration Tracker designed to measure and celebrate student growth across all core subjects.
Known for his approachable leadership style and calm, solution-focused mindset, Franceschi has earned the trust of staff and students alike.
“Mr. Franceschi is a catalyst for positive change and a model of excellence in educational leadership,” Shanoff said. He will represent the district in the Florida Department of Education’s Assistant Principal of the Year judging.
The Osceola School District praised all four honorees for their dedication to students and commitment to excellence, noting that their work reflects the strength and heart of public education across Osceola County.
