Principal Kathy Stow Ready for Woodmont's First Year

Among the boxes and moving supplies stands Tampa resident Kathy Stow, the first principal of who was hired in July. Since then, the mother of two has been helping set up the new school, which is located in the former Verizon call center at 10402 N. 56th St.

“It has been so busy over here the last few weeks,” Stow said. “But I want to help out as much as I can as we move stuff in. We are all so excited to see what it is all going to look like when everything is finally in its place.”

Stow received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Central Florida and also holds a master’s in teaching English to speakers of other languages from Nova Southeastern University.

She brings 10 years of teaching experience with her as she has taught middle school through college levels. Her most recent position as acting administrator at Sebastian River High School in Indian River has prepared her for her first job as a principal. There, she filled in for the principal as needed, dealing with everything from disciplinary issues to schedule changes.

“I am coming over from traditional public school,” Stow said. “But the reason I chose to come over to a charter school was because this specific company, Charter Schools USA, is just amazing. From the highest person in the company down to the food service staff, everyone is positive and everyone believes that every single student can learn.”

That positive environment Stow said is important, and so is the way charter schools conduct student learning.

“With charter schools, it is such a team approach,” she said. “Everyone makes sure they do everything they can to assist the student with their individualized learning plan.”

According to Stow, Charter Schools USA instills an individualized learning plan with each student, assuring success regardless of achievement level.

“The individualized personal learning plans are designed specifically for each student so the parents and teachers can monitor their progress,” Stow said.

As the school’s first principal, Stow has many goals for the upcoming school year, including personally meeting with each and every student.

“It is very important for me to learn everyone’s names and let them meet me so they are familiar with me,” Stow said. “I want students to be able to come to me with anything.”