MAST Academy principal, Dr. Cadian Collman-Perez has named a finalist for Miami-Dade Public Schools Principal of the Year (POY), claiming the title of MDCPS Central Region Principal of the Year.
Yesterday, MAST was visited by POY team for their final visit to select Principal of the Year. Beacuse of this, MAST was given another opportunity to showcase its achievements and excellence.
In an interview with The Beacon, Collman-Perez explained that this accomplishment presents her the opportunity to showcase the hard work of her colleagues across the MDCPS districts and the hard work of MAST Academy.
Collman-Perez was nominated by her colleagues in the Coral Gables Feeder Pattern. Her nomination allowed her to reflect on the schools where she has served as principal: Mandarin Lakes K-8 Center, South Miami Senior High School, and MAST Academy.
Collman-Perez took the job as MAST Academy principal before the 2021-2022 school year and acknowledged that MAST had room for growth and worked hard to increase her school accountability points by 119. She helped create PTSAs at schools that did not have one and has focused on building school culture and staff morale at her schools.
When asked why she deserves to win, Collman-Perez stated she represents MDCPS principles in every way. She is committed to her students, integrity, and the value system. She also has mentored numerous principals.
Collman-Perez attributes her education philosophy and belief grounded in the Fredrick Douglass’s quote, “It is easier to build strong children than fix broken men.”
“Every decision is about what’s right for the kids,” Collman-Perez voiced, “The goal is for them to leave better than they entered [MAST Academy].”
