MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – Monroe County School District Superintendent Theresa Axford is pleased to announce that Rebecca Palomino will be the next principal of Key West High School. Palomino steps into the role that was vacated by Dr. Larry Schmiegel. Dave Perkins, who has served as Interim-principal, did not apply for the position. Palomino will take over for the 2023-2024 school year.
Axford shared, “It’s thrilling for me to appoint a former Key West High School graduate as Principal of Key West High School. Mrs. Palomino told me in a recent conversation that she truly bleeds crimson and gray and I believe that to be true. Her passion for her alma mater is notable. Couple that with the variety of successful education experiences she has had such as teaching, counseling, and working as an assistant principal have made her truly ready to take the helm of the district’s largest school. I am confident in her abilities and proud to place a former Conch in the highest leadership role at the school.
Palomino is in her 19th year with the Monroe County School District and most recently served as the Assistant Principal at Gerald Adams Elementary. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in psychology from the University of Florida in 2004, she began her teaching career at Key West High School, serving in several positions. She taught reading, English and history courses before becoming a School Counselor in 2008. She moved to Sugarloaf School as a counselor in 2012 where she served six years during which time she earned her Education Specialist Degree with a major in Educational Leadership from Florida State University. Her administrative experience includes serving as the assistant principal of Key West High School and Gerald Adams Elementary.
During her tenure at Key West High School, she has spearheaded many initiatives and taken on lead roles including Truancy Coordinator, Student Progression Plan Committee member, Exceptional Student Education support facilitator, Focus Group leader and administrator in charge of Student Activities. Her breadth of experience with K-12 counseling and academics, her involvement on district level teams, and knowledge of Key West High School as an alumni and former staff member gives Palomino a well-rounded perspective on the needs of the school and community. As a student-centered administrator, she believes the power of relationships can help students be successful academically and socially.
“I am truly overwhelmed with emotion and honored to return to my alma mater as principal,” stated Palomino. “It has been my dream and aspiration to follow in the footsteps of legendary Conch principals. I look forward to carrying on the traditions of Key West High School that make us who we are as an academically competitive school and the source of Conch Pride for our community.”
