Bushnell Elementary

I’m a lifelong Sumter County resident, graduating from Wildwood High School in 2006.  I attended Saint Leo University and earned my Bachelor’s degree in 2010, which began my teaching career right here at Bushnell Elementary.  For the next 8 years, I taught ELA in Kindergarten, First and Second Grade.  In 2016, I was honored by being voted BES Teacher of the Year.  In 2017, I graduated from the University of West Florida with a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. 

In 2018, I began serving as Assistant Principal Intern at Wildwood Elementary School.  I faithfully served in that role for 3 years before returning home to BES as an Assistant Principal Intern.  In 2022, I was truly honored to start serving Bushnell Elementary as Principal. 

As a BES parent, past teacher, and now administrator, I know and understand the tradition of excellence here at our school and will work tirelessly to continue that tradition! I look forward to getting to know you and your family more this school year.  Together, we will continue making Bushnell Elementary School a great place to grow!

Email: Jaimie Kinney

With a dedicated career spanning 18 years in education, I have honed my skills as both a passionate teacher and a strategic educational leader.  My journey began when I graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts in Child Study and Speech Communication from St. Joseph’s University in 2007. Shortly after graduating, I began working as a special education preschool teacher in New York City and continued in this role for 10 years. During this time, I fostered a love of learning with my students through innovative teaching methods and through a supportive classroom environment.

In 2009, I completed my Masters of Arts Degree from Stony Brook University with a concentration in Education. In 2017, my family and I relocated to Central Florida, where I then began to work at Wildwood Elementary School as a Kindergarten teacher. I continued to teach at Wildwood Elementary School for 4 years as a Kindergarten and First Grade teacher.

Recognizing my potential for leadership, I completed my Level I portfolio for Educational Leadership through the district. I then transitioned to a teacher on special assignment position at the district office and oversaw Elementary Math and Science for 2 years. In 2023, I began serving as an Assistant Principal Intern at South Sumter Middle School and began working on my Level II portfolio for Principalship. I served in this role for 1 year before being moved to Bushnell Elementary School to serve as an Assistant Principal Intern.

I am passionate about fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. I am excited to serve the students, staff, and families of Bushnell Elementary School!

Email: Katherine Palazzo

I am a proud graduate of Sumter County Schools! After graduating from South Sumter High School in 2009, I attended the University of Florida (Go Gators!) where I earned my degree in Agricultural Education in 2012. Shortly after, I returned home to Webster and began my teaching career at South Sumter Middle School. Over the course of eight years, I had the privilege of teaching science, agriculture, and AVID.

In 2019, I completed my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida. The following year, I transitioned from the classroom into administration, serving in several capacities within the Sumter County School District—including Assistant Principal Intern at Bushnell Elementary, District Curriculum Specialist, and District Supervisor of Professional Learning.

Today, I am thrilled to return to Bushnell Elementary as Assistant Principal. BES holds a special place in my heart—not only as an educator, but also as a parent. My daughter is a proud third-generation BES student, and I deeply value the legacy of excellence this school has upheld through the years. I am honored to continue that tradition and to serve alongside such an incredible team of educators.

Email: Cindy Simmons