Hillsborough schools win multiple Magnet Schools of America awards; district earns Magnet Mania recognition

Officials from the district’s accelerated and magnet programs, joined by Magnet Schools of America CEO Raman Tahiri and former district magnet leader Susan King, announced a slate of Magnet Schools of America (MSA) honors at the May 12 recognition meeting. Presenters said 21 district magnet sites won various merit awards this year, several schools earned MSA certification or demonstration status, and one district program earned a top merit award.

Brian Hoover, director of Accelerated and Magnet Programs, described the rigorous certification process and named specific schools recognized for demonstration or certification status, including Shore Magnet Elementary for the Arts and Lincoln Elementary (IB). Hoover said MacFarlane Park Elementary received IB program certification this year.

MSA also awarded local schools Merit Awards of Excellence and Top Merit Awards of Excellence. Presenters named winners that included Ar mwood High School Collegiate Academy, Franklin Boys Preparatory Academy, Dorothy Innovation Academy (IB), MacFarlane Park Elementary IB program and Progress Village Middle Magnet School of the Arts. Hoover and guests noted that one national scholarship (the DeBra Baron memorial scholarship) was awarded to a Lennard High School student.

Raman Tahiri presented a district-level recognition (Magnet Mania) that resulted in a $500 award to be used in magnet schools. The district thanked MSA, staff and community partners and invited winners and school leaders for group photos. No board action was taken; the presentations were ceremonial.