After nearly five decades of service to education—38 of those with Monroe County Schools—Theresa Axford retires as Superintendent, leaving behind a legacy defined by vision, compassion, and transformative impact.
The Monroe County School Board honored her at Tuesday’s meeting with the Ultimate GEM Award, presented by incoming Superintendent Ed Tierney and Board Chair Mindy Conn.
She began her journey in 1976 as an English teacher at Mary Immaculate High School in Key West. Over the years, she served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, district administrator, and ultimately, superintendent. Her leadership was marked by a rare blend of strategic foresight and deep empathy, always putting students and staff at the heart of every decision.
Appointed as the first female superintendent in 2020, she guided the district through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, forming a countywide task force to ensure safe and effective learning. Her tenure saw bold initiatives that reshaped the district: a 29% increase in starting teacher salaries with the support of the board, securing $5.5 million in state funding for the affordable housing project and the highlight, leading the charge for rigor and constant improvement, bringing the District to an A Grade this year.
Under her leadership, the district became the first East Coast Ocean Guardian School District and earned recognition as Florida’s first Suicide Prevention Certified District, ensuring every staff member was trained to support student mental health. These, along with so many other milestones, reflect her commitment to academic excellence, environmental
stewardship, and student well-being.
Superintendent Axford’s ability to inspire trust and unity was evident in the overwhelming community support for two critical referendums passed in a single year, securing essential funding
for teacher salaries, school safety, and facility improvements. Her tenure also saw a dramatic expansion of community partnerships, cultural events, and parent engagement—reinforcing schools as hubs of connection and care.
Her legacy is not only in the accolades, but in the relationship she built and the belief she instilled in others. She showed that great things are possible when we lead with purpose.
A tribute to Mrs. Axford was given by Deputy Superintendent Amber Acevedo and each of the board members share their remarks and appreciation for her accomplishments and dedication. Family, colleagues, former students and friends were on hand and gave a standing ovation after Superintendent Axford shared her final remarks. Congratulations on an outstanding career!