Florida TaxWatch announces Beverly Budzynski as Principal Leadership Award winner

Florida TaxWatch  announced former Village Oaks Elementary School Principal Beverly Budzynski is among 15 winners of the Florida TaxWatch 2025-26 Principal Leadership Awards (PLA). Through the program, former Principal Budzynski has also identified one deserving student to receive a full two-year Florida Prepaid College Scholarship.

The award and scholarship were presented during a ceremony on the campus of Village Oaks Elementary School, 1601 State Road 29, in Immokalee.

Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Jeff Kottkamp said, “Florida TaxWatch established this one-of-a-kind evidence-based Principal Leadership Awards program, which uses comprehensive data to determine the most effective principals in our state, to reward these outstanding principals for the transformational impact they are having both in their schools and in their communities.

“Leadership of a school is second only to classroom instruction as the most important school-related factor affecting student learning. Principals are the backbone of Florida’s schools – as leaders in their schools, they support and motivate hard-working teachers and ensure students are provided ample opportunities to succeed. We congratulate all of the 15 amazing principals selected to receive this prestigious award and thank them for all they do to inspire and support Florida students.”

Florida Lottery Acting Secretary Reginald D. Dixon said: “The Florida Lottery is proud to partner with Florida TaxWatch in support of the Principal Leadership Awards and applauds each of the award recipients for their outstanding dedication to students and schools. Their diligent efforts make a real difference each and every day. At the Florida Lottery, we believe the path to a brighter future begins with a quality education—and that education starts with exceptional educators. We look forward to continuing this partnership in support of Florida’s students, schools, and future.”

Florida Prepaid Director Cindy O’Connell said: “The Florida Prepaid College Foundation, a proud partner of the Principal Leadership Awards program since 2017, helps create statewide opportunities for students. The program recognizes and rewards 15 effective principals across the state. As part of their award, each principal has the opportunity to grant an Academic A+ Challenge Match Scholarship to a deserving student. We look forward to the program’s future development and continued partnership with Florida TaxWatch.”